Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

St. Paul calls the Galatians to care for each other when sin rears its head within the congregation. The goal of calling a brother to repentance is restoration. Those who exercise such care for others should exercise appropriate care themselves, lest they deceive themselves and fall into their own unrepentant sin. The standard for the whole congregation is the Law of God, not sinful comparisons to each other. Those who teach these things in the congregation ought to be held in high regard, so that together the congregation will sow to the Spirit. In that way, Christians are encouraged to continue in their good works, especially toward each other. Rev. David Vandercook, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in North Little Rock, AR, and Shepherd of Peace Lutheran Church in Maumelle, AR, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Galatians 6:1-10. “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 tr

This Lenten hymn is full of beautiful imagery that teaches us of Christ and His work for us. He is the living water given by God Himself to provide life and rest for us sinners. Though our sin has offended Him, yet God has willingly taken our pain upon Himself on the cross. When we consider Christ crucified, the Lord brings us to repentance over our sins, knowing that the grace He shows here grants us eternal peace. In this faith, the Lord sustains us until the end when we are with Him in glory forever. Rev. Chris Hull, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Student Center in Macomb, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Lutheran Service Book #423, “Jesus, Refuge of the Weary.” Find this hymn at hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/423. 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 kn

As those set free by Christ, the Galatians have been placed by God on the way of walking according to the Spirit. However, the sinful flesh wars against those desires of the Spirit, and so the Christian is engaged in a constant struggle. On the one hand, the works of the flesh are readily evident. Whether “big” or “small,” all of these works of the flesh lead us away from the kingdom of God. However, the Holy Spirit works His fruit in His people. Because we are alive in the Spirit, we walk with Him, crucifying our flesh and being raised to newness of life with Christ. Rev. Jason M. Kaspar, pastor at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church and Preschool in La Grange, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Galatians 5:16-26. “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

St. Paul urges the Galatians to live in the freedom that Christ has given them from the law, rather than submitting again to slavery. By viewing even only circumcision as necessary for salvation, the whole law must then be kept. If the Galatians pursue that path, they are cutting themselves off from Christ, as even just a little leaven of false teaching will spread and work destruction. St. Paul speaks strong words to those who would teach such falsehoods. He once again calls the Galatians to live in their freedom with love toward each other. Rev. James Uglum, pastor at Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church in St. Peters, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Galatians 5:1-15. “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 h

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