Grass Valley, California

Confronting Confusion About the End-Times

Dr. Charles A. Gieschen
July 16–20, 2018

This class will study how Paul addresses confusion about the end-times in his letters to the Thessalonians. Topics such as the intermediate state, Antichrist, the return of Christ, the wrath of God, judgment, rapture, resurrection and vocation will be addressed through a study of these two letters that exhibit Paul’s pastoral care for a congregation confused about eschatology. (3 CEU)

Denver, Colorado

The Gospel of Mark: The Mystery of Jesus

Dr. Peter J. Scaer
August 20–24, 2018

The Gospel of Mark is perhaps the most intriguing and mysterious of the Gospels. Again and again, Jesus, like a roaring lion, confounds our expectations. More than any Gospel, Mark emphasizes a theology of the cross in which Jesus’ true nature is known only in His suffering. We will also show how Mark has a profound understanding of the Sacraments which flow from Jesus Himself. (3.0 CEU)

Pensacola, Florida

Life of Children in the Church: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

Dr. David P. Scaer
November 14–16, 2018

At the center of this course are a collection of essays published under the title Infants and Children in the Church: Five Views on Theology and Ministry (B & H Academic, Nashville, Tennessee, 2017). The instructor and theologians from Orthodox, Catholic, Reformed and Baptist traditions present their doctrines and practices regarding children. A similar collection of essays dealing with the Lord’s Supper can be consulted in Four Views on the Lord’s Supper (Zondervan, 2008). Participants are encouraged to read in the Confessional Lutheran Dogmatics series the instructor’s Baptism and The Law and the Gospel and the Means of Grace.
The instructor’s bibliography, of which some is online at www.ctsfw.edu/dr-david-scaer, will provide additional opportunities for discussion. (1.5 CEU)

Elgin, Illinois

Luther's Antinomian Disputations - Elgin, IL

Dr. Roland F. Ziegler
July 10–12, 2018

“The distinction between the Law and the Gospel is a special brilliant light, which serves to the end that God’s Word may be rightly divided and the Scriptures of the holy prophets and apostles may be properly explained and understood.” (Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration V,1) We will look at Luther’s “Antinomian Disputations” (published in English translation by Lutheran Press under the title “Only the Decalogue Is Eternal” in 2008) as a help in today’s struggle to preach faithfully the Word of God and rightly divide Law and Gospel without falling into the errors of antinomianism and legalism.  (1.5 CEU)

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Early Christian Mercy to the Secular Culture

Rev. Chad Kendall
July 23–27, 2018

This course will be an investigation into the Scriptures, looking particularly at the way the apostles speak of compassion and mercy. Emphasis will be toward Clement of Alexandria’s approach to teaching the Christian faith in a Gnostic world. Further, this course will examine scriptural texts exegetically and will consider how, in light of Clement’s approach, the Church may communicate the Scriptures and draw people into the Church in our modern-day Gnostic and Postmodern culture. (3.0 CEU)

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Access to Heaven on Earth in the Divine Service: The Theology of Worship in Hebrews

Dr. John W. Kleinig
September 10–12, 2018

This course serves as an introduction to my commentary on Hebrews published by Concordia Publishing House this year. In this course we will explore the theology of worship in this letter. The following topics will be examined:

• the contrast between the divine service in the old covenant and the new covenant;
• the role of Jesus as our high priest and our sin offering;
• our entry into the heavenly place of rest by hearing the voice of the living God;
• our access to the heavenly sanctuary through the body and blood of Jesus;
• our purification and sanctification by Jesus in the divine service;
• our participation with the angels in the heavenly liturgy; and
• the presentation of God-pleasing offerings through Jesus.

The main focus will be on the practical relevance of this teaching to what is done and taught, given and received in the divine service. (CEU 1.5)

Cedar Falls, Iowa

Credo: Bringing Meaning and Balance to the Secular Mind

Rev. Chad Kendall
July 9–13, 2018

Creeds and Confessions come from Holy Scripture, bringing meaning to a world lost in contrived, secular ideologies. This course will be an examination of creedal theory, looking particularly at scriptural insight into creedal form and statements in the Greek New Testament. It will examine how God regarded creedal form in the Scriptures and how Scripture was used to bring these formulas to the Gentiles. Some historical background from the Patristic period will be considered with regard to their own understanding of creeds and historical beginnings, leading up to the formulation of the ecumenical creeds. Further, this course will explore ways to take Scripture’s creedal formulas into the secular culture bringing meaning and instilling hope in the realities of Jesus Christ. (3.0 CEU)

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Formula of Concord in the Life of the Church

Dr. Naomichi Masaki
August 8–10, 2018

The Book of Concord is central to the life of our church, but it is often found underused or even misused. In this course, we will focus our attention on the Formula of Concord. Amazingly contemporary and invaluable, the Formula will be found as practical a handbook as the Small Catechism. This rich confession of the Gospel is open for anyone, pastors and the people of God. (1.5 CEU)

Gonzales, Louisiana

Oswald Bayer as Resource for Pastoral Theology

Dr. John T. Pless
July 23–25, 2018

Bayer’s contributions to Luther studies and systematic theology are well known in Lutheran and ecumenical circles. This course will unpack several of the fundamental motifs of Bayer’s work that have deep implications for pastoral theology: justification by faith alone as basis and boundary for pastoral theology, the distinction between Law and promise in preaching and the Sacraments, absolution as performative speech, the ethic of gift, the three estates and Luther’s oratio,meditatio, tentatio. (1.5 CEU)

Fergus Falls, Minnesota

Apologetics for the 21st Century

Dr. Adam S. Francisco
July 30–August 1, 2018

Scripture enjoins us to always be prepared to make a defense when non-Christians ask us why we believe what we believe and, sometimes, why they, too, should consider Christian belief. This course is an introduction to this particular aspect of the apologetic task. It covers the historical Christian apologetic tradition, assesses the various methods employed by apologists and especially focuses on the various charges made against and challenges posed to Christian belief today. (1.5 CEU)

St. Cloud, Minnesota

The Book of Job

Dr. Jeffrey H. Pulse
June 25–27, 2018

Job had always been of great interest to the faithful Christian. Does this book contain the answer to our suffering? Do we receive a picture of how things work in the heavenly realms? We will look into Job with an emphasis on the ancient Hebrew understanding of their relationship with God and how this is carried out. An examination of the various themes, such as God vs. Satan; understanding suffering in the life of the child of God; death and resurrection; etc. will take place in the context of the use of Job in the parish setting. (1.5 CEU)

Flathead Lake, Montana

Gospel of Mark

Dr. James Voelz
July 30–August 4, 2018

This CE class will consider in great depth the Gospel of Mark, which is the current focus of Series B Gospel pericopes. Students are asked to buy volume 1 of the Concordia Commentary (Mark 1:1-8:26), which contains the introductory material, text, notes and commentary on the first half of the Gospel. The author has finished writing part two and is currently putting the material on computer for CPH, with all slated to be finished this spring. Class sessions will deal with introductory material, key pericopes of volume one and then, especially, material from volume two.
Students should be prepared to work thoroughly with the Greek of 1:1-8, 4:1-20, 7:1-23; 8:22-26 from volume one, and then, anticipating volume two, 8:27-33, 9:30-37, 9:38-50, 10:17-27, 10:35-45, 12:35-37, 13:24-37, 14:1-11, 14:32-42, 15:33-39, 16:1-8. We will discuss these pericopes and much more. (Passages underlined are from Series B but in weeks past; those in bold will occur after the conference.) (3.0 CEU)

Albuquerque, New Mexico

What Does It Mean to Be Human?

Dr. K. Detlev Schulz
August 6–10, 2018

For as long as humans have existed they have attempted to answer these questions: What is so special about us humans? From where do we originate and what distinguishes us from the rest of creation? What are we made up of? What is our purpose and destiny in life? Why should humans be blamed for something they did not commit? Philosophers, Christian theologians, anthropologists and scientists all have something to say. In this course we will address these important questions from a biblical and theological perspective. Some topics will include: (CEU 3.0)

1. The origin of man
2. The status of man within creation
3. The problem with non-theological anthropologies: Luther and his “Disputation on Man” (1536)
4. The image of God and its ethical implications for today
5. The Humanum is formed and defined through relationships
6. Dualism: soul and body
7. The battle of Spirit and flesh
8. Original sin and concupiscence: Why should I be blamed for something I did not do?
9. Simul iustus et peccator: Are Lutherans correct on Romans 7:14-25?
10. Past, contemporary and future discussions on man’s origin and destiny: Medieval theology, Enlightenment, Darwinism, humanism, Existentialism, Posthumanism
11. What it means to be human in a technological society
12. Mission as restoration of man to God’s likeness
13. Sexualism and Transgenderism
14. Approaching human life with a robust Trinitarian theology

Hickory, North Carolina

Lutheran Giants: Luther, Gerhardt and Bach

Kantor Richard Resch
July 9–11, 2018

This study will look at the contributions of Martin Luther, Paul Gerhardt and Johann Sebastian Bach to the hymnological, musical and theological heritage of the Lutheran Church. As towering pillars of Confessional Lutheranism, what does each man bring to this glorious heritage that so identifies us? How can we as pastors and church musicians still make faithful use of their good gifts in the Lutheran Church of today? (CEU 1.5)

Rogue River, Oregon

1 Corinthians and a Pauline Model for Ministry

Dr. Peter J. Scaer
July 16–18, 2018

This course aims to take a fresh look at Paul the pastor, especially as he dealt with the many problems which beset the congregation at Corinth. In this regard, we will discuss the ways in which secular values began to infiltrate Corinthian theology. We will take special note of the way in which Paul sensitively dealt with the matter of Apollos, who, though a great teacher, introduced some unsound notions to the Corinthian congregation. By studying Paul as a pastor, we will offer suggestions as to how a pastor might firmly but sensitively lead his congregation in the way of the Lord. A pastoral approach to such topics as closed communion and speaking in tongues will be considered. (1.5 CEU)

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Theology and Church Music

Kantor Richard Resch
August 6–8, 2018

This course will offer a study of the relationship between theology and the music of the Church. Ancient and modern church-music forms will be studied. Present-day parish music concerns will be addressed with special emphasis on the theological function of music as proclamation history of the Church and programmatic for us today. (1.5 CEU)

Plano, Texas

Who is Jesus? Confronting Current Christological Controversy

Dr. Charles A. Gieschen
June 26–28, 2018

This class will review the challenges to the divine identity of Jesus that have arisen over the past two centuries and are seen regularly in the media today, especially at Christmas and Easter. Ways of confronting these controversies, based upon careful historical study of New Testament texts being done by several scholars, will be discussed.
Course Outline

1. Introduction: Challenges to Jesus’ Divine Identity
2. Important Categories for Expressing Jesus’ Divine Identity
1. The Early Worship of Jesus
2. Jesus’ Death as Universal Atonement
3. The Son’s Pre-Incarnate Existence
4. Jesus’ Possession of the Divine Name
5. Jesus’ Self-Identification as the Son of Man
3. The Growing Popularity of the Gnostic Gospels: How Do We Respond?
4. Conclusion: Confessing Jesus’ Divine Identity Today

(CEU 1.5)

Riverton, Utah

Confessing Christ in Crisis: Lessons from Hermann Sasse

Dr. John T. Pless
July 16–18, 2018

Hermann Sasse (1895-1976) was one of the most fascinating Lutheran theologians of the 20th century. His life seemed to be lived from one crisis to another including the breakdown of liberalism in the early years of the 20th century, his collaboration with Dietrich Bonhoeffer in a confession against Nazism, and his stirring critique of world Lutheranism drifting into ecumenical chaos. This class will examine Sasse’s response as a confessional and pastoral theologian to the critical events of his day with application to our own time. Special attention will be given to Sasse’s letters to Lutheran pastors and his sermons. (1.5 CEU)

Charlottesville, Virginia

1 & 2 Peter

Dr. Dean O. Wenthe
July 30–August 1, 2018

This exegetical study of the first epistle of Peter, the “Epistle of Christian Hope,” will focus on the epistle’s rich theology, which touches every aspect of Christian living in a world of hostility, uncertainty and paganism. The unique theological formulation is seen as credal statement, with particular emphasis placed on the work of Christ and its hope-giving effect. The course will focus on the practical application of the work of Christ, the spiritual priesthood of all believers and eschatology for the church today. (CEU 1.5)

Almena, Wisconsin

The Devotional Use of Psalms

Dr. John W. Kleinig
August 28–30, 2018

In the Early Church and much of the history of the church Christians practiced meditation by singing or saying the psalms and reflecting on them in the light of their experience of life. Psalm 1, which introduces the whole Psalter, shows us that the psalms were produced by daily meditation on God’s Word. They, in turn, were used to teach God’s people to meditate on God’s word christologically and effectively in all circumstances but most of all in trouble. Psalm 2, a prophetic royal psalm, shows us that they help us to take refuge in God’s Son, for we speak the psalms of David together with Jesus. Since they were inspired by the Holy Spirit, they inspire us with the Holy Spirit. This course will consider how to use the psalms as a handbook for meditation in reflection and petitionary prayer, self-instruction and confession, thanksgiving and praise. (1.5 CEU)

Shawano, Wisconsin

Hermann Sasse as Pastoral Theologian

Dr. John T. Pless
July 9–11, 2018

Hermann Sasse (1895-1976) was perhaps the most important confessional Lutheran theologian of the 20th century. This course will engage his writings on pastoral issues such as closed communion, the office of the ministry, liturgy, church fellowship and women’s ordination. (1.5 CEU)

Cheyenne, Wyoming

Luther's Antinomian Disputations

Dr. Roland F. Ziegler
June 25–29, 2018

“The distinction between the Law and the Gospel is a special brilliant light, which serves to the end that God’s Word may be rightly divided and the Scriptures of the holy prophets and apostles may be properly explained and understood.” (Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration V,1) We will look at Luther’s “Antinomian Disputations” (published in English translation by Lutheran Press under the title “Only the Decalogue Is Eternal” in 2008) as a help in today’s struggle to preach faithfully the Word of God and rightly divide Law and Gospel without falling into the errors of antinomianism and legalism.  (3.0 CEU)