Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Tim Eden, pastor at Bethel Lutheran Church in Bryan, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 John 4:13-21. St. John continues to emphasize that love starts with God. He has given us His Spirit, and now we testify to the truth that Jesus truly is the Son of God, sent by the Father to be the Savior. In this love of God, we abide. In this love of God, He casts out our fear of punishment on the Last Day; instead, we long for rhat day with expectation. His love for us is primary and brings about love for our brothers. By loving our brothers, whom we see, we show our love of God, whom we do not see. “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 love for us in Jesus shapes our lives as Christians in all that we believe, say, and do.

Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel for a special Sharathon episode to study the book of Colossians. St. Paul writes to the Colossians to strengthen their faith, love, and hope in Christ. By Him, all things were created. In Him, all the fullness of God is pleased to dwell. He has reconciled us to Himself by His death and resurrection, and He has incorporated us into His death and resurrection in Holy Baptism. Because we are in Christ, we are set free, no longer captive to philosophy and empty deceit. Our lives are hidden with Christ in God, and so we live the baptized life by putting off the old self of sin and putting on the new self in Christ with kindness, humility, patience, and love. We continue in steadfast and watchful prayer, walking in wisdom and speaking the truth of God’s Word graciously to each person as we have opportunity. Read the Book of Colossians here on BibleGateway.com. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, loo

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel for a special Sharathon episode to study the book of Jonah. When the LORD commanded Jonah to go to Nineveh, Jonah went the other way. The LORD worked through His reluctant prophet even during Jonah’s disobedience. The LORD rescued Jonah from the sea by appointing a fish to swallow Jonah. From the fish’s belly, Jonah prayed in repentance, and the LORD foreshadowed the resurrection of Jesus when He brought Jonah out of the fish and into new life on the third day. Jonah obeyed the LORD’s second command to preach to Nineveh. His short sermon was effective. The Word of the LORD brought Nineveh to repentance, and the LORD did not destroy the city. When Jonah considered the mercy of the LORD to Nineveh as evil, the LORD taught Jonah concerning His compassion for all people. That love that God has for all sinners shapes us; He has loved us, and so we show His love by proclaiming His Word to all. Read the Book of J

Rev. Jeff Hemmer, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, IL, and assistant to the president of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 John 4:7-12. St. John teaches us the shape of love, which cannot be disconnected from true doctrine. If we come with our own definition of love, we will always end up with a distortion of the truth. Instead, we must let God define what love is, because He is love. He makes love visible through His Son, Jesus. Love is found in the fact that God loved us by giving His Son to make the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Because God has loved us in this way, we love each other in response. “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 love for us in Jesus shapes our lives as Christians in

Rev. Andrew Belt, pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Marshfield, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 John 4:1-6. St. John exhorts us to test the spirits, so that we would know which are from God and which are from the antichrist. The diagnostic is this: does this spirit teach that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh? Those spirits that do not teach this truth are not from God; we must take care not to listen to their lies. We hold to the truth because we are from God, who is in us and greater than the world. Distinguishing between the Spirit of God and the spirit of error equips us to show true love to each other. “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 love for us in Jesus shapes our lives as Christians in all that we believe, say, and do.

Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller, pastor at St. Paul and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Churches in Austin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 John 3:11-24. St. John reminds us that there are two families in this life. The family of the devil is characterized by murder and hatred for righteousness. The family of God is characterized by the love that Christ showed us in His death and love that we now show each other. We should not be surprised when the world hates us, but as the family of God, we should love our brothers by giving freely to help them in their physical need. This shows that we are of the truth, yet when our heart condemns us in this matter, we have confidence because God is greater than our hearts. We trust His Word even more than the experience of our hearts. “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 w

Rev. Rick Jones, Chaplain and Vice-President of Spiritual Life at the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch in Minot, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 John 2:28-3:10. St. John encourages confidence in the children of God as the Lord’s appearing draws closer. We need not shrink from His coming, but rather, we can look forward to receiving Him as the Righteous One for us. The Father’s love has made us His children in Christ now, even as we await being made fully like Christ in glory. Because we are God’s children now, we do not practice sinning, which is lawlessness. We flee from the practice of sin because Jesus has come to destroy such devilish works. Instead, we run toward practicing the righteousness of Christ, confessing our sins before Him and living in the new life of love for our brother that Jesus has freely given us. “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

Rev. Chris Hull, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Tomball, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 John 2:18-27. St. John warns the children of God to be on guard against the false teaching of the antichrists. As it is now the last time before the Lord’s return, these false teachers deny that Jesus is the Christ and go out from the true Church. Those who know the truth must continue to abide in the truth and watch out for the lie that would lead away from eternal life. The gift of the Holy Spirit in Holy Baptism guards Christians from deception and keeps us firm in the truth that we have been taught in the Word. “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 love for us in Jesus shapes our lives as Christians in all that we believe, say, and do.

Rev. Lucas Witt, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Baltimore, MD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 John 2:12-17. St. John tells us why he is writing. He desires all Christians to have confidence that their sins are forgiven by the Father for Christ’s sake. He desires older Christians to remain grounded in the truth they have been taught from the beginning. He desires younger Christians to know that the victory that Christ has won belongs to them through the abiding Word of God. For that reason, St. John warns us against the love fo the world. Those things are not from the Father and are passing away. Instead, St. John encourages us toward the will of God, which abides forever. “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 love for us in Jesus shapes our

Rev. Jason Schockman, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 John 2:3-11. How do we know that we know God? St. John assures us through the Word of God. As Christians, we keep God’s Word. This is far more than obedience; this is cherishing and guarding all that God has spoken to us, both His commandments and His promises. Through this Word, God gives to us His love and His life so that we truly abide in Him. This Word is what God has spoken from the beginning, yet it is new in the One who is from the beginning, Jesus. To walk in Him is to walk in light and love the brothers. “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 love for us in Jesus shapes our lives as Christians in all that we believe, say, and do.

Rev. Dr. Thomas Egger, president of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 John 1:5-2:2. St. John proclaims the truth that God is light. Because this is the case, we cannot claim to have fellowship with Him while walking in the darkness of sin. We can only have fellowship with God when we walk in the light of His Word, cleansed by the blood of Jesus His Son. This does not mean that we are sinless; instead, it means that we confess the truth of our sin and receive the faithfulness of God’s forgiveness. St. John writes these truths so that we would no longer walk in sin, for God has set us free from its bondage. At the same time, when we do fall into sin, St. John gives us comfort to turn to our Advocate before the Father, Jesus. “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

Rev. Dr. Lawrence Rast, president of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 John 1:1-4. St. John plows right into everything he wants his hearers to know and believe concerning the love of God in Jesus. He proclaims Jesus as the true eternal God who has taken on true humanity. John, the other apostles, and many other eyewitnesses truly saw, touched, and heard Jesus, who has made manifest to the world the eternal life that comes from the Father. John now proclaims this so that, through faith in Christ, we would share in fellowship with the true God and with the whole Church. In both the proclamation and the hearing of this Gospel, God brings to us the fullness of joy. “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 lo

“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 love for us in Jesus shapes our lives as Christians in all that we believe, say, and do. 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. Matt Ulmer, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bishop, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 21:15-25. After breakfast on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus speaks to Peter personally. As Peter had denied three times, so Jesus three times restores Peter with confession, forgiveness, and commission. Each time Peter affirms his love for Jesus, the Lord sends Peter to care for His holy flock, that is, His Church. In doing this, Jesus told Peter that he would suffer, yet as Peter followed Jesus, he would follow the Lord out of death and into life. When Peter questioned Jesus about John, Jesus put Peter’s focus back on his own need to follow Him. John clarifies that Jesus had not said John would not die before Jesus’ return, and then John identifies himself as the author and eyewitness of the book. With his last verse, John recalls the purpose writing the things that he did—so that we would believe in Jesus. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel

Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 21:1-14. St. John continues his account to record another time Jesus came to His disciples after His resurrection. When seven of Jesus’ disciples were at the Sea of Galilee, they went fishing at Peter’s prompting. When they caught nothing all night long, Jesus stood on the shore and asked them about their catch. They did not recognize Jesus, but He told them to cast the net on the right side of the boat. When they caught too many to haul in the net, John realized it was the Lord and told Peter, who immediately swam to shore. Jesus had breakfast waiting for them on the shore, and they all knew that this was Jesus. Their large catch of fish reminded them of their call to be fishers of men, which would continue now that Jesus had risen from the dead. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gosp

Rev. Joel Heckmann, pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Okarche, OK, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 20:19-31. Though Jesus’ disciples had locked themselves away for fear of the Jews, the risen Savior Jesus came and stood in their midst the evening of Easter. He delivered His peace to them by His Word, and He sent them with His peace and the Holy Spirit to forgive and retain sins with His authority. Thomas was not present with the other disciples that evening, and he refused to believe unless he could see and touch Jesus first. Jesus graciously came to the disciples again one week later, when Thomas was there. The risen Lord called Thomas to see for himself, and Thomas confessed the truth of the risen Lord. Those who believe even without seeing are declared blessed by Jesus. St. John the Evangelist tells us that such faith is delivered through the Word of God. The delivery of saving faith in Jesus is the purpose of John’s Gospel and all the Holy Scriptures. “The Word Made Flesh” is a ser

Rev. Nate Hill, pastor at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Winchester, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 20:1-18. Mary Magdalene comes to Jesus’ tomb early in the morning on the first day of the week to find the stone taken away. She runs to tell Peter and John to announce that they cannot find where the Lord has been taken. These two disciples run to the tomb and find it in a state that cannot have been left by grave robbers, though they did not understand yet from the Scripture that Jesus must rise from the dead. When Mary remains at the tomb weeping, she is first greeted by two angels before seeing Jesus Himself. She mistakes Jesus for the gardener until He calls her by name. Jesus announces the good news to her and instructs her to tell His brothers as well. The resurrection of Jesus is the lynchpin of our Christian faith, giving us confidence for this life, taking away our fear of death, and instilling in us real hope for the life of the world to come. “The Word Made Flesh” is a serie

Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church and School in Terra Bella, CA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 19:31-42. The Jews ask Pilate to break the legs of those who are crucified in order to hasten death. Jesus’ bones are not broken because He is already dead; this fulfills Scripture and reminds us that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. When the soldier pierces Jesus’ side with a spear, blood and water flow forth. This does not only indicate that Jesus is, in fact, dead. This event fulfills Scripture and points to Jesus as the source of true eternal life as He pours it out through His means of grace. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus receive the body of Jesus from the cross in order to give their Lord an honorable burial. The location of Jesus’ new tomb in a garden is significant. By His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus is undoing the curse of sin that came about in the Garden of Eden so that He can take us to the eternal garden of the new creation in t

Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 19:17-30. Jesus is taken to the Place of the Skull for His crucifixion between two others. Despite the objection of the chief priests, Pilate’s inscription above Jesus reads, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” The fact that it is written in three different languages hints at the fact that Jesus is on the cross as the King for all sinners. The soldiers take Jesus’ clothes from Him as the Lord endures the full shame of our sin in fulfillment of Psalm 22. Even in the midst of His great suffering, Jesus cares for His mother as He gives her into the care of John. Jesus’ thirst on the cross fulfills Scripture and reminds us that His suffering for our sin delivers us living water. Jesus cries out, “It is finished,” to teach us that all that He does in His suffering, death, and resurrection stands true for all those of every time and every place who believe in Him. “The Word Made

Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 19:1-16. Though the crown of thorns and purple robe given to Jesus are intended to mock Him, these garments truly show that He is the King that sinners need. Pilate’s proclaims concerning Jesus, “Behold the man!” His words unwittingly identify Jesus as the new Adam who has come to take the curse of sin upon Himself and suffer death to win us life. Though Pilate knows Jesus is innocent and tries to release Jesus, Pilate’s hand is forced as the Jews make the trial a matter of loyalty to Caesar. As the Jews cry out that they only will have Caesar as their king, Pilate sentences Jesus to death in the context of the Passover. This reminds us that Jesus is the true King who sacrifices Himself for the sins of the world. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus