Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

St. Paul turns to a text from Genesis that the opponents were attempting to use to lead the Galatians astray. He goes through the account of the two sons of Abraham, Ishmael and Isaac, and proclaims the free salvation that comes from Christ. Those who seek their salvation in works of the law belong to the son of slavery, Ishmael; those who have their salvation through faith in Christ alone belong to the son of freedom, Isaac. Such freedom is not found in circumcision, but in the work that Christ has done for us. St. Paul calls the Galatians away from a return to slavery and to remain in the freedom that is theirs as sons of God. Rev. Tim Storck, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Chesterfield, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Galatians 4:21-31. “No Other Gospel” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle of Galatians. St. Paul writes an urgent letter to the Galatians lest they forsake the one true Gospel. The apostle calls the Galatians away from the teaching of the Juda

St. Paul entreats the Galatians that they would not return to the slavery of idolatry of their former way of life. To look for salvation under works of the law is nothing else than such slavery. The Apostle reminds the Galatians of his faithful ministry among them and their faithful reception of the gospel he preached to them. Why would they now reject him and treat him as an enemy? He expresses his anguish and his confusion at their attraction to false doctrine, and gives them an opportunity to repent and return to the truth. Rev. Dr. Scott Murray, pastor at Memorial Lutheran Church and School in Houston, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Galatians 4:8-20. “No Other Gospel” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle of Galatians. St. Paul writes an urgent letter to the Galatians lest they forsake the one true Gospel. The apostle calls the Galatians away from the teaching of the Judaizers, because salvation does not come when we add any sort of works to what Jesus has done for us

Even as the hymns for the season of Lent are penitential in nature, they also point us to the joy that is ours in justification by grace through faith in Christ. Martin Luther’s hymn on Psalm 130 is a marvelous example of this truth. We cry out to our God from the depths of our sin because we know that He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. His forgiveness is the only hope we have, and He gives it to us with grace upon grace. Therefore, we wait for His deliverance in Christ with eager expectation. Rev. Dr. Christian Preus, pastor at Mount Hope Lutheran Church and School in Casper, WY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Lutheran Service Book #607, “From Depths of Woe I Cry to Thee.” Find this hymn at hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/607. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God'

St. Paul continues to speak of the Law as our guardian. When we were under the Law as guardian, we were no different than slaves. However, the Law was not to be our guardian forever. At the time appointed by the Father, He sent His Son into our humanity in order to fulfill the Law in our place and redeem us from that Law. Through the work of the Son, we have been adopted as sons of God. Now, the Father has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts to cry out to God as our dear Father. Because we are sons and no longer slaves, we are heirs of all the riches of Jesus. Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Church, both in Austin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Galatians 4:1-7. “No Other Gospel” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle of Galatians. St. Paul writes an urgent letter to the Galatians lest they forsake the one true Gospel. The apostle calls the Galatians away from the teaching of the Judaizers, because salvation does no

St. Paul brings up a human example of a last will and testament to distinguish between God’s law and promise. The promise that God made to Abraham and his offspring, who is Christ, is not annulled by the law given at Sinai. This does not mean that the law is unimportant or bad; rather, the law was given to show transgressions and make people ready for the coming of Christ. Now that Christ has come, we are no longer under the law as our guardian, but we have the full inheritance of sons because we are in Christ. In Him, we are Abraham’s offpsring. Rev. Zelwyn Heide, pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hanover, ND and Zion Lutheran Church in New Salem, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Galatians 3:15-29. “No Other Gospel” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle of Galatians. St. Paul writes an urgent letter to the Galatians lest they forsake the one true Gospel. The apostle calls the Galatians away from the teaching of the Judaizers, because salvation does not come when we ad

St. Paul calls the Galatians away from their foolishness. False teaching has taken their eyes off Christ crucified so that they think that they can somehow be perfected by works of the Law, even though the Holy Spirit was given to them when they heard the Word of God with faith. Though the Judaizers claim that being a son of Abraham is a matter of circumcision, St. Paul shows from the Word of God that to be a son of Abraham is to share Abraham’s faith in the promise of God. Anyone who tries to rely on works is under a curse, for we sinners cannot fulfill the Law. Instead, to be righteous is to live by faith in Christ, who has become a curse for us so that we would share in all the blessings of God’s promise. Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, and Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, join host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Galatians 3:1-14. “No Other Gospel” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle of Gala

St. Paul comes to the thesis of the letter to the Galatians. Whether a person is a Jew or a Gentile, that person will be declared righteous not by works of the law, but only through faith in Jesus Christ. This is what St. Paul, St. Peter, all the apostles, and all Christians believe. The fact that Christ forgives sinners does not make Him a servant of sin; rather, we are the transgressors. By His death on the cross, God has atoned for our sins. Through faith, we have been crucified with Christ, so that He lives in us, and our lives are carried out in faith in Him alone. If salvation comes in any other way, Christ’s death means nothing. Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Galatians 2:15-21. “No Other Gospel” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle of Galatians. St. Paul writes an urgent letter to the Galatians lest they forsake the one true Gospel. The apostle calls the Galatians away from the teaching of t

St. Paul recalls another visit he made to Jerusalem. On this occasion, he was with Barnabas, and Titus accompanied them. They confirmed with those who seemed influential there that together they had true fellowship in the only Gospel that saves. When false brothers attempted to take away Christian freedom by forcing circumcision upon Titus, St. Paul refused in order to confess clearly that salvation comes only through faith in Christ. Another time in Antioch, St. Paul had to confront St. Peter for the way St. Peter was denying the Gospel by refusing to eat with Gentiles. In both accounts, St. Paul shows the importance of confessing the pure Gospel in word and practice. Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Galatians 2:1-14. “No Other Gospel” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle of Galatians. St. Paul writes an urgent letter to the Galatians lest they forsake the one true Gospel. The apostle calls the Galatians away

St. Paul makes sure that the Galatians know that the Gospel he preached was not one that he made up, nor did any man. Rather, he received this Gospel through a revelation from Jesus Himself. St. Paul recounts his former way of life in Judaism as a zealous keeper of the Law and a persecutor of the Gospel. By grace alone, God called Paul to the truth so that he began to proclaim the Gospel among the Gentiles immediately. Only three years later did St. Paul make a brief visit to Jerusalem, after which he continued to prach the Gospel elsewhere. Even though many Christians did not know him personally, they glorified God because of him. Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Galatians 1:11-24. “No Other Gospel” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle of Galatians. St. Paul writes an urgent letter to the Galatians lest they forsake the one true Gospel. The apostle calls the Galatians away from the teaching of the Judaizers,

St. Paul identifies himself to the Galatians as one sent by the God who raised Jesus from the dead. He writes to the Galatians in the grace and peace that come from Jesus, who has given Himself for our sins to deliver us from this present evil age. Without any further pleasantries, St. Paul launches into the reason for his letter. He expresses amazement that the Galatians are forsaking the only Gospel for a different one, which is no Gospel at all. Any so-called gospel that claims to add something to what Christ has done is false, and those who preach it, no matter how exalted they seem, are accursed. Rev. Dr. Ryan Tinetti, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Arcadia, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Galatians 1:1-10. “No Other Gospel” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle of Galatians. St. Paul writes an urgent letter to the Galatians lest they forsake the one true Gospel. The apostle calls the Galatians away from the teaching of the Judaizers, because salvation does not

“No Other Gospel” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle of Galatians. St. Paul writes an urgent letter to the Galatians lest they forsake the one true Gospel. The apostle calls the Galatians away from the teaching of the Judaizers, because salvation does not come when we add any sort of works to what Jesus has done for us. We are only saved by God’s grace in Christ Jesus. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, where your investments help support the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit lcef.org.

St. Paul continues to speak about his planned upcoming visit to Corinth. As he had warned those who sinned before, he is prepared to deal with their sin in person, if needed, according to the power of the Word of Christ crucified and risen. In preparation for his visit, he calls the Corinthians to test themselves to see whether or not they hold to the true faith that he had taught them. In his writing, working, and praying, St. Paul is only aiming for their restoration, so that the authority God has given can be used to build them up. As St. Paul wraps up his epistle, he calls the Corinthians to joy and peace that is found in the one true God, and he concludes with a Trinitarian benediction in which God delivers what He promises. Rev. Dr. Ryan Tietz, Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology and Dean of Students at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Corinthians 13:1-14. “A Letter of Comfort” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle

St. Paul continues his boasting. He speaks about a revelation that he received from Christ when he was caught up into heaven. However, he relates the account from a distance, remaining vague in details, in order to continue to boast not in his strength, but in his weakness. That weakness was evident in a messenger from Satan, a thorn in his flesh, that God gave and refused to take away. This showed St. Paul that God’s grace is sufficient for all things. That is what the apostle intends to communicate to the Corinthians. He hopes to do that in person through a visit that he hopes will be pleasant, though he is prepared to be firm in dealing with any unrepentant sin, if necessary. Rev. Ned Moerbe, pastor at Memorial Lutheran Church and School in Houston, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Corinthians 12:1-21. “A Letter of Comfort” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle of 2 Corinthians. St. Paul writes again to the Christians in Corinth to bring them the ongoing comfort of the

Even if St. Paul seems a little foolish to the Corinthians, he begins to boast a little, but in unexpected ways. While the false apostles have been strong to enslave the Corinthians in false teaching, St. Paul was far too weak for that. He is Hebrew, and Israelite, and an offspring of Abraham. He is a better servant of Christ for all of the suffering that he has endured for the Lord’s sake, from the time of his call to his present ministry. In all of his boasting, St. Paul focuses on his weaknesses so that God receives all the glory and blessing. Rev. Mark Squire, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Corinthians 11:16-31. “A Letter of Comfort” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle of 2 Corinthians. St. Paul writes again to the Christians in Corinth to bring them the ongoing comfort of the Gospel in the midst of the attacks of false doctrine from so-called “super apostles.” He seeks to give confidence to the Corinthians—and to

St. Paul calls upon the Corinthians to bear with him in a little foolishness, both the foolishness of the Gospel and the foolishness of speaking about himself a bit more than he would like. The Corinthians have been bearing with the false teaching of so-called “super apostles,” but they should instead bear with the true teaching of God from the authentic apostle of Christ in any of his weaknesses. In this way, the Corinthians will not be led astray by the deceit of the devil through false teachers, but will remain members of the holy Christian Church.  Rev. Andy Wright, pastor at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Corinthians 11:1-15.  “A Letter of Comfort” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle of 2 Corinthians. St. Paul writes again to the Christians in Corinth to bring them the ongoing comfort of the Gospel in the midst of the attacks of false doctrine from so-called “super apostles.” He seeks to give confidence to the Cor

As St. Paul looks forward to a visit to the Corinthians, he entreats them to respond to his teaching so that his visit can be joyful rather than painful. Although some accuse the apostle of being forceful in his writing but weak in his presence, St. Paul admits no such thing. Rather, he takes all things captive under the Gospel of Christ and lives and acts under His authority. St. Paul refuses to boast beyond limits, but only in what the Lord has done and given. Rev. Matthew Wietfeldt, Assistant Vice President of Admissions and Director of the Christ Academy Program at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Corinthians 10:1-18. “A Letter of Comfort” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle of 2 Corinthians. St. Paul writes again to the Christians in Corinth to bring them the ongoing comfort of the Gospel in the midst of the attacks of false doctrine from so-called “super apostles.” He seeks to give confidence to the Corinthians—and to u

St. Paul uses an agricultural image to encourage the Corinthians toward generosity. Because God makes grace and sufficiency abound for His people, the Corinthians can participate in the offering for the saints cheerfully. This will enrich the Corinthians and those receiving the offerings, leading to thanksgiving and glory to God throughout the Church. The prayers of God’s people will overflow out of the grace of God, to whom all thanks is due for His inexpressible gift! Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. “A Letter of Comfort” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle of 2 Corinthians. St. Paul writes again to the Christians in Corinth to bring them the ongoing comfort of the Gospel in the midst of the attacks of false doctrine from so-called “super apostles.” He seeks to give confidence to the Corinthians—and to us—that the good news of Christ crucified and risen proclaimed

St. Paul commends Titus to the Corinthians as one who earnestly participates in the ministry to the Corinthians. Along with two other faithful brothers, Titus is coming to assist with the offering being received from the Corinthians so that it will be done honorably before God and men. St. Paul knows the Corinthians’ readiness to participate in this service, and their zeal has been an encouragement to other congregations. Now St. Paul urges the Corinthians to bring their gift to a completion, not as an exaction, but as a willing gift in the service of God and His Church. Rev. Andrew Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Haven, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5. “A Letter of Comfort” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle of 2 Corinthians. St. Paul writes again to the Christians in Corinth to bring them the ongoing comfort of the Gospel in the midst of the attacks of false doctrine from so-called “super apostles.” He seeks to give confidence to

As those reconciled to God and to each other, Christians support each other in their physical needs. St. Paul returns to this topic from his first letter to the Corinthians as he speaks about their participation in the offering for the saints in Jerusalem. Out of their joy and poverty, the saints in Macedonia have given generously according to their means. Now St. Paul calls the Corinthians to similar particpation in this act of grace, which flows from the grace that Jesus has shown by becoming poor so that we could share in His riches. As the Corinthians finish their participation in this offering, God will continue to supply His people with their daily bread. Rev. Chris Hull, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Student Center in Macomb, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Corinthians 8:1-15. “A Letter of Comfort” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle of 2 Corinthians. St. Paul writes again to the Christians in Corinth to bring them the ongoing comfort of the Gospel in t

As St. Paul continues to assure the Corinthians of his great love and joy for them, he calls them to the same love and joy for him. His ministry among them was one of hard work and suffering, sustained by God’s own comfort. Yet even as St. Paul’s previous letter had caused grief among the Corinthians, he rejoices that it was a godly sorrow that led to repentance and salvation. This has led to comfort for both the apostle and the Corinthians, especially due to the report received at the coming of Titus. Rev. Mark Barz, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Corinthians 7:2-16. “A Letter of Comfort” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle of 2 Corinthians. St. Paul writes again to the Christians in Corinth to bring them the ongoing comfort of the Gospel in the midst of the attacks of false doctrine from so-called “super apostles.” He seeks to give confidence to the Corinthians—and to us—that the good news of Christ crucified a