Sharper Iron — Advent with the Apostles: Grace Alone

Rev. Dr. Dean Wenthe, professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Titus 3:4-7.

The epistle for Christmas Dawn extols the grace of God for us sinners. Although we were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, and slaves to our passions, we are the ones whom God has loved. In that love, He has caused His goodness and kindness to appear in Jesus Christ for our salvation. No works of ours, no matter how righteous they seem, deliver this salvation; rather, God’s grace alone pours this salvation out upon us in Holy Baptism, the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit. God’s grace is rich and lavish; in Jesus Christ, we lack nothing needed for salvation, for we are heirs with Him of eternal life.

“Advent with the Apostles” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Epistle readings for the season of Advent. This holy season of repentance and joy focuses on the coming of Christ. As the apostles write to us concerning Christian doctrine and life in light of what Christ has done in His first coming in the flesh, they strengthen us to live and wait in hope for His second coming in glory on the Last Day.

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.

Titus 3:4-7

⁴But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, ⁵he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, ⁶whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

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Rev. Timothy Appel

Although a mathematics degree may not be incredibly helpful to (proudly born-and-raised Texan) Rev. Timothy Appel while hosting Sharper Iron, his love of CFW Walther and the season of Easter will come in handy. His Call is shepherding the flock at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, Illinois, and he’s also husband to wife Kristin and dad to their growing basketball team of children. When he’s not carrying out pastoral duties, you may find him reading “The Lord of the Rings,” snacking on Reese’s peanut butter cups, playing dominoes with his boys, or studying up on Texas history (including Sam Houston, of course).