Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Lutheran Service Book #334, “O Lord, How Shall I Meet You.” Paul Gerhardt’s Advent text helps us to prepare to welcome the Lord with joy, knowing that He is the One who prepares us to meet Him. As the Palm Sunday crowds once welcomed Jesus with palms and praises, so we continue to greet Jesus with songs of “Hosanna” as He comes to us in the Sacrament of the Altar. He has come because of His great love for us sinners, and because He has come, we are set free from the burden of sin and long for the Day when He returns to take us to our eternal home. “The Hymns of Advent'' is a series on Sharper Iron that looks at a variety of the hymns found in the Advent section Lutheran Service Book. The season of Advent prepares us for Christ’s coming. The hymns of Advent teach that this is more than getting ready for Christmas; the Word of the Lord sung in hymnody helps us to receive Christ as He comes to us now in the

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 #333, “Once He Came in Blessing.” This hymn by Johann Horn takes us through the three comings of Christ. In His incarnation, Christ came to bless us as He came in humility to bear the cross for our salvation. Now, in the preaching of His Word and in the giving of His Body and Blood in the Sacrament, Christ comes to gently lead us and nourish us in His eternal life. On the Last Day, Christ will come in power and splendor for judgment; this is joyful for us as Christians because Christ has already spoken His verdict of justification to us. This truth leads us to pray that Christ would come, not only now in Word and Sacrament, but finally on the Last Day to take us to our eternal home with Him. “The Hymns of Advent'' is a series on Sharper Iron that looks at a variety of the hymns found in the Advent section Lutheran Service Book. The season of Advent prepar

Rev. James Yonkers, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Danville, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Lutheran Service Book #332, “Savior of the Nations, Come.” Written in the 300s by Ambrose of Milan, this hymn teaches us to pray that Jesus would come to us as the Savior. He made His home among us in His incarnation, and He still makes His home with us in His Church. The hymn speaks of the humble work of Jesus as the Word made flesh. Fully God, He became fully man when He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. Jesus ran His course for our salvation through the humility of suffering and death and into the exaltation of resurrection and ascension. Because the Son of God has won this victory in our flesh, we pray for His coming and abide in the light of His Word. “The Hymns of Advent'' is a series on Sharper Iron that looks at a variety of the hymns found in the Advent section Lutheran Service Book. The season of Advent prepares us for Christ’s coming. The hymns of Advent

“The Hymns of Advent'' is a series on Sharper Iron that looks at a variety of the hymns found in the Advent section Lutheran Service Book. The season of Advent prepares us for Christ’s coming. The hymns of Advent teach that this is more than getting ready for Christmas; the Word of the Lord sung in hymnody helps us to receive Christ as He comes to us now in the means of grace and when He comes again 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.

(Enjoy some favorite previous Sharper Iron episodes as Pastor Appel moves to a new call. A new series for Advent begins November 28!) Rev. Sam Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, IN joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Luke 17:11-19. Samaria was not a place where many Jews of Jesus’ day ventured, but that is exactly the route Jesus took to Jerusalem and His cross. There Jesus encountered ten lepers. These men not only suffered greatly physically from this terrible illness. Even more than that, they were separated from their community and worship life through the ceremonial uncleanness they endured. This served as a picture of the sin that infects all people. That’s why these ten lepers cry out to Jesus for mercy, His grace and compassion that alone can heal and save. Jesus sends them to show themselves to the priest, and as they go, His Word effects healing. One recognizes what has happened and believes. He returns to Jesus as the true Temple, the place where God dwells in human fle

(Enjoy some favorite previous Sharper Iron episodes as Pastor Appel moves to a new call. A new series for Advent begins November 28!) Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cullman, AL joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Philippians 4:6-20. The church at Philippi had seen the Apostle Paul go through highs and lows during his ministry. As he writes his letter to them from prison, he proclaims to them the joy that remains theirs in Christ regardless of their circumstances. Because the LORD’s return is near, Christians live differently in the world. We are freed from anxiousness and worry through the comfort that is ours in Christ. Prayer and supplication flows from our lips to our Father’s throne of grace. His peace, given through the death and resurrection of Jesus, is our true guard from all evil. For that reason, our minds are occupied with all the good that He gives, as the Apostle learned and modeled from the Lord. Paul’s joy continues to abound through the gift that the Philip

(Enjoy some favorite previous Sharper Iron episodes as Pastor Appel moves to a new call. A new series for Advent begins November 28!) Rev. Harrison Goodman, pastor at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 8:1-10. Before the LORD brings Israel into the Promised Land, Moses invites the people to reflect upon the goodness of the LORD’s commandments. This is no romanticized memory; rather, they recall the dirty details of their wilderness wanderings in which the LORD humbled them. The LORD tested His people, bringing them to acknowledge time and time again that their life was not under their own control. Instead, life comes from the LORD’s promises. His promises protected His people in their suffering, not apart from it. His discipline was for their good as He treated them as His sons. For this reason, they would keep, treasure, guard, and obey the LORD’s commandments. They knew that He was bringing them into an abundantly wonderful land, where th

(Enjoy some favorite previous Sharper Iron episodes as Pastor Appel moves to a new call. A new series for Advent begins November 28!) Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, associate pastor and headmaster at Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 28:1-28. Though unbelievers face the world with fear, Christians have boldness because their confidence is in Christ. Such confidence in Christ allows us to reflect honestly upon what the Proverbs reveal concerning our lives; we know that when we turn to Him in repentance, He responds with His mercy and forgiveness. In that forgiveness, Christians pray that the Lord would provide just rulers who will use their God-given authority according to His Word. Christians know the gift of diligent, honest labor and the foolishness of seeking after earthly wealth through worthless pursuits. True riches are found in the trust of the LORD. This is a rebroadcast from October 15, 2020. “Wisdom and Instruction” is a mini-series on Sharper

(Enjoy some favorite previous Sharper Iron episodes as Pastor Appel moves to a new call. A new series for Advent begins November 28!) Rev. Andrew Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Haven, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 145. The structure of Psalm 145 as an acrostic poem serves to underline the complete nature of God’s reign as King over all. His Kingdom is eternal, calling forth praise from all people. Doxology and doctrine go hand-in-hand as one generation tells the next of who God is and what He has done. The greatness of God’s kingdom is His righteousness, given by grace for Christ’s sake. For this righteousness, all of His works praise Him, because He continues to care for all His creation. He is near to all who call on Him, for Jesus is Immanuel. At the resurrection of all flesh, He will bring His righteous judgment and all will praise His holy name forever. This is a rebroadcast from July 28, 2022. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study several P

(Enjoy some favorite previous Sharper Iron episodes as Pastor Appel moves to a new call. A new series for Advent begins November 28!) Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 17:7-24. Solomon continues to teach the benefit of the way of divine wisdom in contrast to the harm that comes from following the way of folly. The mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. Each of us must examine, then, both what we speak and what we hear. Where conflict arises, Christian wisdom does not seek escalation, for growing strife is from the devil. Instead, Christian wisdom seeks after reconciliation, covering the neighbor’s sin with the forgiveness won by Christ. Such wisdom cannot be purchased with money. In a tragic irony, an abundance of money may lead only to folly. The company one keeps is of utmost importance; Christians need to be surrounded by Christian friends who will fill their ears with the Word of God. This begins at home, as pare

(Enjoy some favorite previous Sharper Iron episodes as Pastor Appel moves to a new call. A new series for Advent begins November 28!) 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 Psalm 105. Psalm 105 calls upon God’s people to praise Him for His grace shown to them throughout their history. The psalmist traces all that the LORD has done for His people starting with the covenant made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The LORD was gracious even when He summoned a famine and sent Joseph in chains to Egypt. The LORD’s grace persevered through Israel’s enslavement in Egypt and deliverance after the plagues. The LORD gave His people their daily bread and more as He brought them through the wilderness and into the Promised Land. At each turn, Psalm 105 teaches us to praise God by recounting the specific things God has done for us throughout history. This praise continues in the Church

(Enjoy some favorite previous Sharper Iron episodes as Pastor Appel moves to a new call. A new series for Advent begins November 28!) Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 16:25-17:6. Solomon repeats a previous proverb as he warns against following after whatever seems right in human sight. Only when our thoughts are shaped by the LORD in His Word can we walk the way of life. When a man’s heart is worthless or dishonest, his words will match. Wisdom recognizes both when silence is necessary and when speaking up in defense of a neighbor is required. A life of wisdom generally leads to long life, for it is guided by the strength found in self-control, which is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Trusting in Him as individuals and within our households is true wisdom, a better goal rather than any earthly wealth. This is a rebroadcast from September 24, 2020. “Wisdom and Instruction” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes th

(Enjoy some favorite previous Sharper Iron episodes as Pastor Appel moves to a new call. A new series for Advent begins November 28!) Rev. Chris Hull, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Tomball, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 96. The Church’s song is always new because the Church sings of the saving works that God has done in bringing about His new creation. Though the world sings a loud song for its idols, this song can offer nothing but emptiness. The Church’s song cuts through the noise with true hope in Christ. We sing together with all creation for what God does as our gracious King and righteous Judge. This is a rebroadcast from July 21, 2022. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study several Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

(Enjoy some favorite previous Sharper Iron episodes as Pastor Appel moves to a new call. A new series for Advent begins November 28!) Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 14:1-35. Solomon continues to write concerning the wisdom founded on the fear of the LORD. This basis is a necessary lens through which to see each individual proverb. The wisdom by which anyone builds a lasting household is more than economic or social principles; a lasting household is built upon the wisdom of forgiveness that is found in Christ alone. Such upright living only comes when we bow in humility before the LORD. Because He has made Himself our Brother in Christ Jesus, He knows the bitterness and sorrows of our hearts. Though sometimes we do not see the reality of these proverbs in this temporal life, faith trusts what God’s Word says. In this, the fear of the LORD provides a refuge for us and our children. The fear of the LORD is the true fount

Rev. Jason Kaspar, pastor at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in La Grange, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 24:16-33. The people respond to Joshua’s charge by promising their faithfulness, which is the right response. Joshua reminds them that such faithfulness is only possible through the LORD’s faithfulness to them; Israel must not place their hope in their own willpower. Joshua says that Israel’s answer will be a witness against them, and he sets up a stone as a witness as well. If Israel falls into unfaithfulness, these witnesses may serve as an opportunity to call them to repentance. Joseph’s bones are finally buried in accordance with his instructions as a reminder of the hope of the resurrection to come. The death of Joshua and Eleazar at the end of the book of Joshua remind us that even with the faithfulness of these men, the Savior is still coming. Therefore, we keep reading the Scriptures to meet Him when He comes: Jesus Christ. “The Promised Land Delivered” is a series on Sharpe

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 24:1-15. Joshua gives his final farewell address to Israel at Shechem, a key location in the history of God’s promise to Abraham. There, Joshua reminds the people of the way God called Abraham out of his idolatry and made him the promise of many offspring. The LORD fulfilled that promise to Abraham, even when Jacob and his children went to Egypt. The LORD sent Moses and Aaron to rescue Israel from slavery in Egypt, and then the LORD provided for Israel in the wilderness. The LORD defeated Israel’s enemies before them in order to give them the Promised Land. Over and over, Joshua focuses the people on what the LORD has done for them. He then puts the charge to them. Are any idols better than the LORD? Of course not. Only the LORD is the true God who saves His people; Joshua pledges faithfulness to the LORD as the only response. “The Promised Land Delivered” is a series on Sharper Iron that

Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 23:1-16. After some time has passed, Joshua is old and advanced in years, and he knows that his death will be coming soon. He reminds Israel of all that God has done for them in giving them the Promised Land and driving out the idolaters from Canaan. He encourages Israel to be faithful to the Word of the LORD and to avoid mixing with the remaining Canaanites, lest they lead Israel astray. Joshua reminds the people that the LORD kept every promise He made to them without fail. This serves both as encouragement and warning, lest Israel prove unfaithful to the LORD and so that He keeps His promise to remove them from the land. “The Promised Land Delivered” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Joshua. After the death of Moses, the LORD remains with His people to bring them into the Promised Land under Joshua. Throughout the book, the LORD proves that not one of His Wor

Rev. Vance Becker, LCMS missionary to Kenya, serving as a theological educator at Neema Lutheran College in Matongo, Kenya, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 22:1-34. Learn more about Rev. Becker and how to support his work in Kenya at lcms.org/becker. Now that the land has rest, it is time for the eastern tribes to go home. Joshua sends them back across the Jordan River with compliments for their faithfulness, encouragement for continued faithfulness, and his blessing from the LORD. Their super-sized model of the LORD’s altar causes confusion among the western tribes. These nine-and-a-half tribes send a delegation to the eastern tribes in accordance with Moses’ instructions, investigating whether idolatry is occurring in Israel. The eastern tribes assure their brothers that no such idolatry is taking place, and they have every intention of worshiping the LORD only at His chosen place. The altar they have built is intended as a witness to Israel on both sides of the Jordan River that the LORD

Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 21:1-45. The LORD did not forget about the Levites in the distribution of land. He scatters them throughout the land of Israel in forty-eight different cities so that they might live among all the tribes of Israel. There they will serve the proclamation of the Gospel through the sacrifices that point forward to Jesus. They live by faith in the promises of God, knowing that He will provide for them as the people of Israel bring their tithes. The LORD gives rest to His people under Joshua as a proclamation of the fullness of the rest that is ours in Christ and His Word. God’s Word proves true; not one of His promises fails. “The Promised Land Delivered” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Joshua. After the death of Moses, the LORD remains with His people to bring them into the Promised Land under Joshua. Throughout the book, the LORD proves that not one of His Word fa

Rev. Joel Heckmann, pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Okarche, OK, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 19:32-20:9. Naphtali and Dan are the last tribes of Israel to receive their inheritance in the Promised Land. Joshua, the faithful spy, receives his inheritance just as Caleb had previously; both men stand as examples of patience and faith in God’s promises. After the division of land is finished, the LORD tells Joshua to establish the three cities of refuge on the western side of the Jordan River. These cities foreshadow the work of our Lord Jesus Christ to be our refuge from sin and death. By the justice of God poured out on Christ, we are justified. “The Promised Land Delivered” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Joshua. After the death of Moses, the LORD remains with His people to bring them into the Promised Land under Joshua. Throughout the book, the LORD proves that not one of His Word falls unfulfilled. Today, the Church has the same confidence that all