Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio

Rev. Tim Winterstein, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in East Wenatchee, WA joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 12:1-10.In Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” he prays to the LORD to take this burden, but the LORD doesn’t always answer in the way we desire. Instead, He reminds Paul, and us, that “His grace is sufficient for his power is made perfect in weakness.” We will all have our thorn in the flesh moments, so we plead with the LORD to grant us contentment in Christ, who became weak on the cross so that we may be strong. “O Holy Spirit, pour Your love into our hearts that we may see Christ and be content in our weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. Lord have mercy. Amen”

Rev. Adam DeGroot, Calvary Lutheran Church, Rio Ranch, NM joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 11:16-33.Paul lowers himself to the level of the “super” apostles to boast in his accomplishments. This submission proves that the Christian life is not a life of perfection, but of persecution, brokenness, and pain. Yet, in Paul’s weakness and ours, our LORD Jesus reminds us that He became weak for us and promises to be with us. “O LORD, be our strength when we suffer. Grant us peace to stay with You and the hope of Your forgiving grace. Lord have mercy. Amen”

Rev. John Lukomski joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 11:1-15.Paul asks the Corinthians to bear with him as he addresses a little foolishness. The foolishness of the church listening to false prophets that proclaim a different Jesus, gospel, and spirit than what has been handed down to them. He reminds the church that they are the bride of Christ, sanctified and made pure by Christ---stay with him and him alone! “O Lord, You have made us holy and without blemish by connecting yourself to us, the church. Keep us steadfast in Your Word and in faith so that we may rest in Your peace and grace. Lord have mercy. In Christ, Amen”

Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Churches in Pine Lawn, MO joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 10.Paul defends his ministry not on his own commendation, but by the approval of the LORD. Paul lovingly exhorts the Corinthians to remind them that they are in Christ, they have the “weapons” to battle evil, and their boasting is in Christ. “O Lord Jesus Christ, on account of You we are approved by the Father and as You call us to serve, help us to serve faithfully. In Your name, Amen.”

Rev. Jason Bredeson, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sacramento, CA joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 9.The surpassing and abundance of God’s grace in Christ flows upon you in His forgiveness, grace, and salvation. From that grace Paul calls the Corinthians to be generous, according to what they decide in their hearts, which helps the needs of the saints but also brings thanksgivings to our Lord. “O LORD, help us to be generous to our neighbor, as You are generous to us in Christ. Lord have mercy. Amen”

Rev. Steven Theiss, vacancy pastor of Hanover Lutheran Church, Cape Girardeau, MO joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 8:16-24.Paul sends Titus back to Corinth with two unnamed brothers to faithfully collect the mercy offering for Jerusalem. In his earnest care for the church, Paul commends the workers and the Corinthians to faithfully collect this offering all for the glory of Christ. He reminds us of our need to do all things with good order and integrity so that His gifts may faithfully be given to those in need. “O LORD, help us to live holy lives in Your church and Your world so that You may be glorified through us. In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 8:1-15.“See that you excel in this act of grace (giving) also.” Paul highlights the generosity of the Macedonian churches to encourage the Corinthian church to be generous to the poor saints in Jerusalem. To be generous is an act of grace which flows from the grace of God in Christ who, though he was rich, yet for your sake became poor. “O Lord, grant us a generous heart for the poor that flows from the generosity we have from You. Grant our churches a merciful heart to love and care for our neighbors. In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Ben Meyer, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Sunbury, OH, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 7.“I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy”, Paul lovingly tells the Corinthians with the good news from Titus that they had repented. This joy does not end with repentance, for that would just lead to worldly grief, but it throws us into the arms of our Savior who gives us forgiveness--the greatest comfort. “O Holy Spirit, lead us to repent of our sins and receive the joy of your free and gracious forgiveness. Lord have mercy; Christ have mercy. Amen”

Rev. Peter Schmidt, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Waukesha, WI, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 6.Paul shows the church that the work of the Christian is not always easy. There will be afflictions, hardship, calamities, hardships, labors, sleepless nights, & hunger, but the LORD has given us the Holy Spirit to strengthen us in the hope of Christ’s grace. Therefore be “yoked in Christ” to walk with Him. “Lord Jesus, as You have dwelt among us and You are our LORD, strengthen us to stay with You and work together in Your kingdom. Amen”

Rev. David Juhl, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Momence, IL joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 5:11-21.In Christ, you are a new creation! He died for all and that includes you. Paul challenges us to no longer see others according to the “flesh” but as one whom Christ has died. As ones now in the righteousness of God, you are an ambassador of Christ to reconcile others to Him. “O LORD, open our hearts to remember that we have Your righteousness by Christ’s cross and help us to be Your ambassadors in all our vocations. Lord have mercy. In Him, Amen”