Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Tim Koch, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Linn, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 7:1-8. Before the seventh seal is opened, John sees the answer to the question, “Who can stand on the great day of the Lamb?” He sees four angels restraining the four winds by which the Lord would bring His judgment on the earth. A fifth angel comes from the rising of the sun, which is the place of hope and new life. This angel instructs the other angels not to let any harm come until all of God’s servants are marked as His people. John hears that 144,000 from the tribes of Israel are sealed. This indicates that the Lord knows the fullness of His Church here on earth; He knows each one who is His own. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of supreme hope in our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord. The book of Revelation gives a heavenly perspective on our earthly circumstances so

Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 6:9-17. When the Lamb opens the fifth seal, John sees the souls of the martyrs under the altar praying to the Sovereign Lord, asking Him how long it will be until He exacts justice on the earth. Their prayer is answered through the white robe of Christ’s righteousness that covers them, and they are granted continued rest during the Lord’s patience to bring His elect. The opening of the sixth seal reveals that end for which the saints are praying. The signs in the sky terrify all those who see them, and they attempt to flee from the wrath of the Lamb. The only ones that can stand on that Day are those who are found in Christ through faith. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of supreme hope in our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord. The book of Revelation gives a heave

Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 6:1-8. As the ascended and reigning Lamb opens the first four seals of the scroll, the four living creatures call forth four horses of different colors. Each of the riders brings something different with him, yet none of this is outside of the Lord’s Almighty power. Even when trouble and suffering comes upon this world, the people of God have the confidence that He is sustaining them and directing history toward the end that He desires. Though these four horses and their riders may seem frightening, those who are in Christ need not be afraid. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of supreme hope in our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord. The book of Revelation gives a heavenly perspective on our earthly circumstances so that the Church in every generation is challeng

Rev. Sean Daenzer, Director of Worship for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and chaplain for the International Center in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 5:1-14. As John’s vision of the heavenly throne room continues, he sees a scroll in the Father’s right hand. Written within and on the back, God knows and directs all of history; none of it is a surprise to Him or beyond His control. To John’s sorrow, no human being is found at first who is worthy to open this scroll and read the wonderful counsels of God for humanity. One of the elders bids John to stop weeping, for the promised Savior from the line of Judah, the One who is David’s Son and David’s Lord, has come. John sees Jesus standing before God’s throne as the Lamb who is slain. The Crucified and Risen Savior reigns! When He takes the scroll, the new song of joy breaks forth. The four living creatures, the twenty-four elders, the myriads of angels, and all creation echo back and forth the praises of the Lamb who was

Rev. Zelwyn Heide, pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hannover, ND and Zion Lutheran Church in New Salem, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 4:1-11. After John finishes writing the seven letters to the seven churches, Jesus calls him to come through an open door into God’s throne room. There, John witnesses the heavenly perspective of the events on earth through the lens of the worship before God’s throne. God the Father sits on the heavenly throne in all His brilliant glory. The rainbow around His throne is a sign of His faithfulness to His people of every generation. The twenty-four elders are around God’s throne representing the whole Church of both the Old and New Testaments. Along with the four living creatures who stand watch around God’s throne, they all worship the Lord for who He is as the eternal and almighty God. The glory that God gave to His Church is given back to Him in praise for His work of creating and sustaining all things. This scene of heavenly worship brings com

Rev. Shawn Linnell, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blair, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 3:14-22. Jesus writes the the church in Laodicea as the Amen, the One whose words are entirely true. He criticizes them for their lukewarm faith, neither hot nor cold, good only to be spit out. They must recognize their true spiritual poverty and blindness and look for riches and sight through Him alone. Though Jesus’ Words are severe, He calls them back to Himself in repentance as a matter of discipline and love. He stands near in His Word, calling out to them to believe in Him and so conquer through faith. Those who hear Him and believe will reign with Him in glory. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of supreme hope in our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord. The book of Revelation gives a heavenly perspective on our earthly circumstances so that the Church in every

Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 3:7-13. The letter Jesus sends to the church in Philadelphia commends them for their patient endurance. He stands before them as the Holy One who holds the key of David. He has placed an open door before them. He has brought them through that door into eternal life. As they proclaim the message of salvation in Christ alone among those who have not received Jesus as the Promised Messiah, hope still remains that God’s Word will lead more to salvation. Jesus is coming soon, and so those who hear must hold fast to His Gospel. Jesus will cause the one who conquers by faith to stand firm, no matter what shaking may occur. His people belong to Him, with the name of God written on them in Holy Baptism. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of supreme hope in our crucified, ri

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 Revelation 3:1-6. The letter Jesus sends to the church in Sardis is the strongest call to repentance so far. He identifies Himself as the One who sends the Holy Spirit to bring the hope of repentance to this church. Though they have the reputation of being alive with good works, truly their faith is dead. The gift of repentance will come as they remember what they have already been taught. They must wake up before the Lord returns in glory. Some in Sardis have not fallen away, so there remains hope for the congregation. Jesus promises that the one who conquers by faith will be clothed in the holiness bestowed in Baptism. Jesus will write that person’s name into the book of life and confess that person before the Father in heaven. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Alt

Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 2:18-29. The city of Thyatira was known for its commerce and trade, yet Jesus as the Son of God whose feet are like burnished bronze has authority and wealth far above anything else. The church in Thyatira is commended for their love, faith, service, and patient endurance; they have grown in this sanctification. But the Lord Jesus critiques their tolerance of the false prophetess who is encouraging compromise toward idolatry. This false prophetess and all who have allied with her will be condemned. To those who have not followed after such lies, Jesus encourages faithfulness. Those who hold to Him in faith will have a share in His eternal kingdom. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of supreme hope in our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord. The boo

Rev. Jason Kaspar, pastor at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in La Grange, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 2:12-17. Jesus speaks to the church in Pergamum with the sharp two-edged sword of His Word. Though the church there dwells in the shadow of rampant Roman idolatry, they have not fallen for Satan’s lies. Instead, they have been faithful even to the point of dying for the faith. Yet false teachings reminiscent of Balaam have arisen in the church there. The need for repentance is urgent, lest the sword of Jesus’ Word be turned against them. Yet to those who hear the Word of God and hold onto Christ by faith, they will receive the eternal invitation to partake of the wedding feast of the Lamb in His kingdom, which has no end. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of supreme hope in our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord. The book of Revelation gives a heavenly perspec

Rev. Dr. Christian Preus, pastor at Mt. Hope Lutheran Church and School in Casper, WY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 2:8-11. In His letter to the church in Smyrna, Jesus identifies Himself as the first and the last, the Crucified and Risen Savior. He knows the tribulation that the church in Smyrna has endured at the hands of both Romans and Jews; this was evidenced in the life and martyrdom of Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna. Jesus calls His people in Smyrna away from their fear, for their tribulation will last only a short time. Those who are faithful unto death will receive the crown of life and will not be hurt by the second death. For all those who have ear to hear, the words of Jesus to the church in Smyrna bring hope and comfort. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of supreme hope in our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord. The book of Revelation gives a heavenly p

Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee’s Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 2:1-7. The seven letters to the seven churches in Asia Minor share many features. Each one is addressed to the angel of the church. Since the word “angel” means “messenger,” this would seem to indicate the pastor or bishop of the church. The first letter is sent to the church in Ephesus. Jesus identifies Himself as the One who is holding the angels of the churches and is present among His churches. He encourages the church in Ephesus in their patient endurance in resisting false teaching, yet He critques the way they have abandoned the love they had at first. He calls them to repent and promises the fruit of the tree of life to the one who conquers by faith. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of supreme hope in our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord. The bo

Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 1:9-20. St. John is a brother and partner with all Christians in the suffering of the Church. While he was suffering under exile on the island of Patmos, he was with the Church on a Sunday. In the Spirit, John heard the voice of Jesus behind him commanding him to write to seven congregations in Asia Minor. When he turned to see who was speaking, John saw the risen and ascended Lord Jesus Christ, appearing with the full glory and more of the Son of Man in Daniel 7. Each detail John describes reveals who Jesus is, and John fell at Jesus’ feet with great fear. Jesus touched John and took away his fear, for Jesus has conquered as the Crucified and Risen Savior. Jesus repeats to John the command to write what he sees, and Jesus begins to reveal to John how to understand the things that he sees by identifying the seven stars as the seven angels of the churches and the seven lampstands as the seve

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 1:4-8. As St. John writes to seven specific churches in Asia Minor, he writes to the whole Christian Church. He greets them with the grace and peace that come from the Triune God: the Father who is and was and is to come, the Holy Spirit who is fully present with the full Church, and the Son, Jesus Christ. Because Jesus loves us and frees us by His blood and makes us His kingdom and priests, He receives glory and dominion forever. He is coming soon in that glory, and all will see Him. The Lord God Almighty is the Alpha and the Omega. These opening verses set the stage for the comfort that belongs to Christians in the Triune God who reigns over all. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of supreme hope in our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord. The book of Revelation giv

Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing, Professor of Theology and Ministry, Director of the Pre-Seminary Program, and Director of the Center for Biblicla Studies at Concordia Univeristy in St. Paul, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 1:1-3. The book of Revelation was given to St. John the Apostle as a vision while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. The Christian Church was under persecution near the end of the 1st Century AD; in that context, John received this marvelous book of comfort from the ascended Lord Jesus Christ. Using language that only Christians familiar with the Old Testament and the Gospels would truly understand, Jesus showed His Church that He was truly reigning over all things. If we fail to read the book of Revelation in this context as apocalyptic literature, we will run into all kinds of trouble and take numbers and images in the way that the Lord never intended. However, reading Revelation in the context of all Holy Scripture, Jesus shows Himself as our victorious Lord for whose

“Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of supreme hope in our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord. The book of Revelation gives a heavenly perspective on our earthly circumstances so that the Church in every generation is challenged, comforted, and assured of final victory through Jesus Christ. 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.

Rev. David Boisclair, interim pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 3 John 1-15. St. John writes to beloved Gaius, praying both for his phyiscal and spiritual health. He rejoices to hear that Gaius is walking in the truth and has received those who had come in that truth as brothers, though they had been strangers before. St. John encourages Gaius to support them in their journey to continue to proclaim the Gospel, for in so doing, they will become fellow workers for the truth. Although Diotrephes does not acknowledge the authority of John or the truth, John promises to deal with this wickedness when he comes. Christians must not imitate such evil, but instead must seek only after the good, which commes from God. Demetrius stands as an example of such a Christian. St. John indicates his desire to seek Gaius face-to-face in the joy and peace of Christ. “The Love of God” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the three epistles written by St.

Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 John 1-13. St. John writes to the church as the elder, the pastor who has cared for Christians throughout his long apostolic ministry. He loves the Christians as his children in the the truth. They have been walking in this truth according to the commandment they have had from the beginning: love one another. Such love comes not from any deceivers, but only from the truth that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. Those who abide in this teaching have God. Those who do not have this teaching dare not be received as brothers in Christ. St. John writes this brief epistle in the hope of having the joy of speaking face-to-face. “The Love of God” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the three epistles written by St. John the Apostle and Evangelist. As St. John rejoiced to be the disciple loved by Jesus, so he writes his epistles to give us the same joy when we know that we are the beloved of God. God’s

Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 John 5:13-21. As St. John concludes his epistle, he tells us that his writing gives us certainty of eternal life in Christ. This certainty is not found within us, but in the sure promise of God. That is the confidence that we have as we approach Him in prayer; we know He wants to give us all that is a part of His will, and so we ask Him for those things, knowing He will keep His promise. In that confidence, we pray for those brothers who have fallen into sin, that God would keep them in life through repentance. Even as we recognize those who have fallen from faith and are walking in sin are no longer brothers in Christ, we seek for opportunities to speak to them of Christ. Jesus is the Son of God, true God and our eternal life. Idols cannot give us what we need; only in the Son of God do we have salvation. “The Love of God” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the three epistles written b

Rev. Dr. Jacob Corzine, associate professor of theology and Interim Dean of the College of Theology, Arts, and Humanities at Concordia University, Chicago, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 John 5:1-12. St. John continues to weave together the strands of his first epistle to present the full tapestry of the Christian faith. True faith in Jesus as the Son of God goes together with love for each other as Christians. We keep God’s commandments as a part of our vocations given by God, knowing that He has done the work of salvation for us. By faith in Him, we have the victory that overcomes the world. The water and the blood of Jesus’ pierced side testify to who He is, along with the Holy Spirit; we receive this testimony still in the Word and Sacraments. By faith, we have this testimony within us. God has given us eternal life in His Son; when we have Jesus, we have life. “The Love of God” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the three epistles written by St. John the Apostle and Evangelist.