Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Andrew Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Guttenberg, IA and St. Paul Lutheran Church in McGregor, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 1:2-8. St. Mark opens his narrative in a dramatic way by citing the Old Testament promise that the LORD will send a messenger to prepare His way. When the dust settles, John appears as the fulfillment of that promise. He preaches repentance as the gift of God to sinners. Those sinners come from all over to confess their sins and receive baptism and the gift of forgiveness in view of what Jesus will do by His death on the cross. John’s wardrobe and diet identify him as the one who comes in the spirit and power of Elijah, whose ministry John often mirrors. John’s preaching identifies Jesus as the Savior who comes to bring completion to all of God’s promises. John pours the water of baptism; Jesus is the One who pours the Holy Spirit. “The Gospel in Action” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. Mark. The Evangel

Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at the Northeast Kansas Lutheran Partnership, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 1:1. Although Mark’s Gospel account is shorter than the other three, the Word that the Holy Spirit inspired him to write must not be overlooked. Mark is mentioned often in the book of Acts and epistles of the New Testament as a companion and coworker of Paul and a son of Peter. It is likely this connection to Peter and the apostle’s preaching that led Mark to write the Gospel that bears his name. He probably wrote it in Romer after Matthew and Luke had written their Gospel accounts. Mark structures his Gospel account around three key confessions of Jesus as the Son of God: by himself in the very first verse, by the Father’s voice at the Transfiguration, and by the centurion upon Jesus’ death. Mark wants us to see Jesus as the Son of God as the One who was crucified for us. Mark often uses the word “immediately” to move us toward those scenes which highlight that truth, particularly in the deeds a

“The Gospel in Action” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. Mark. The Evangelist hits the ground running with the very first verse of his Gospel account, and he never lets up the pace. As one deed of Jesus comes right after another, always paired with His authoritative Word, St. Mark proclaims the good news that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, revealed conclusively by His death on the cross. 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. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 52:7-10. Isaiah writes ahead of time to proclaim the Gospel to Judean exiles living in Babylon, awaiting the news of their salvation. Having seen the destruction of their home and the temple of the LORD, they had been brought to repentance over their idolatry. Yet as they lived in exile, they would have been tempted toward the lie that the LORD was not King. Isaiah pictures a messenger with beautiful feet because he carries truly good news: “Your God reigns!” The watchmen hear this messenger and join in his song of good news as they see God Himself return as Savior. Even the waste places sing together for joy at the LORD’s redemption. He bares His holy arm to save. Although to human eyes it looks like weakness, the LORD’s incarnation in human flesh and suffering death on the cross are His strength for the salvation of sinners. He does this in the sight of all people so that sinners would see

Rev. Tim Koch, pastor at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank, SD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 9:2-7. The promise of Immanuel continues to dominate Isaiah’s preaching in this text. The darkness of Assyria’s devastation looms over Judah. The darkness of their own idolatry looms over Judah. Into this thick darkness, the LORD shines His light. His presence among His people gives them unreserved joy as He transforms their darkness into light. The LORD takes away the burdens upon them in ways that seem weak to human wisdom, as He did in the days of the judges when He alone was their King. Under His reign, war is brought to an end, and there is only peace. This peace comes through the birth of a Child, the Son who is both fully human and fully divine. He bears exalted names that distinguish Him as the truly good King over the house of David forever. This Child is Jesus, the only Savior. “Advent with the Prophets” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Old Testament readings appoint

Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 7:10-17. Although Ahaz was one of the most wicked kings in the history of Judah, the LORD is gracious and merciful in speaking to him through the prophet Isaiah. Not once, but twice the LORD sends Isaiah to Ahaz with the promise of deliverance from his enemies apart from any political machinations. Ahaz may sound pious in refusing to ask the LORD for a sign, but his unbelief is actually quite diabolical. The LORD’s rebuke is swift and harsh, but He still gives a sign. He gives the sign of the promised Christ, a Son miraculously born to a virgin who is God with us. This is ultimately the promise Ahaz has failed to believe, the promise by which God will finally and fully save His people. “Advent with the Prophets” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Old Testament readings appointed for the season of Advent. This holy season of repentance focuses our attention on Christ’s coming

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 62:10-12. The good news that dawns on Christmas is intended for all people. The gates are opened and the way is prepared as God frees His people from their slavery to sin. God lifts His banner for all to see. Jesus stands as this signal. Though a poor baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and a man hanging from a cross seem like foolishness and weakness to human eyes, Jesus is God’s wisdom and power to save sinners. In Jesus, salvation has come to sinners. Though those who do not trust in Him receive His coming as condemnation, He brings a new name to those who receive Him by faith. They are holy as His gift to them, for He has bought them from sin and death to make them His own. Jesus has found them when they were lost; He was forsaken so they never would be. “Advent with the Prophets” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Old Testament readings appointed for the season of Advent. This ho

Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Micah 5:2-5a. Micah preaches to Judah during the reign of wicked King Ahaz. In contrast to this evil king who reigns in worldly greatness in Jerusalem, Micah promises a ruler who will come by the LORD’s action from the tiny town of David, Bethlehem. This ruler will be true man, one from the line of Judah and David. This ruler will also be true God, the Son begotten from the Father from all eternity. The LORD guides and directs the events of history, even the time of exile for His people, in order to bring His promised Christ into the world at just the right time and in the place He promised. This ruler will not guide the people into idolatry, as wicked Ahaz had done. Instead, because this ruler is God Himself, He will be the Shepherd His holy flock needs. As our Good Shepherd, Jesus has laid down His life for our sins and taken it back up again for our justification in order that we now dwell in perfe

Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, associate pastor and headmaster at Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Zephaniah 3:14-20. Zephaniah preaches to Judah during a time in which reform among the people of God is needed. His book is filled with strong Law against the wickedness of God’s people. However, Zephaniah terrifies his hearers with the Law in order to comfort them with the Gospel found in today’s text. The silence that was commanded at the preaching of the Law in the first chapter is now replaced with the songs of joy in the salvation the Lord has given. He has declared them righteous for the sake of His Son, Jesus, the One who comes in their midst in the flesh. He takes away His people’s fears as He rejoices to save them; in the presence of His love, there is a peaceful wonder. He promises restoration for His people tossed to and fro by the world, a promise that will be fully realized when Jesus comes again in glory and raises our bodies to eternal life. “Advent with the Pr

Rev. Gaven Mize, pastor at Augustana Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hickory, NC, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 61:1-11. Isaiah preaches Jesus so clearly in this text that our Lord actually uses this as His first sermon text in Luke 4. Jesus is the One anointed with the Holy Spirit to bring about true freedom and rest in His death and resurrection. His work for us sinners removes from us the funeral garments of sin, death, and shame and clothes us in the wedding garments of joy, praise, and righteousness. The liturgy surrounding both Holy Baptism and the Christian funeral are visible reminders of the clothes of Christ’s righteousness He has given. Having received such a salvation from the Lord, Christians break forth with joyful songs of praise because of what Jesus has done for us. “Advent with the Prophets” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Old Testament readings appointed for the season of Advent. This holy season of repentance focuses our attention on Christ’s coming.

Rev. Paul Pater, pastor at Shepherd of the Ridge Lutheran Church in North Ridgeville, OH and Hope Lutheran Church in Sheffield Village, OH, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 7:1-16. The LORD’s promise to establish the kingdom of David forever is a foundational Advent text. At a time of political peace in his kingdom, David sees that he is dwelling in a palace in Jerusalem while the ark of the covenant is under a tent. Thinking that the LORD’s house ought to be like his own, David tells Nathan that he would like to build the house of the LORD. The LORD graciously speaks to David to inform him that his plan, while perhaps coming from pious intentions, is wrong. The LORD’s house is not like David’s. The LORD gently rebukes David with the reminder that it is only by the LORD’s action that he has attained the place he has. Furthermore, the LORD has a better plan in mind than David ever had. The LORD promises a house for David. This line of kings from David’s own flesh will be everlasting and is fulf

Rev. Chris Hull, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Tomball, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Malachi 4:1-6. Malachi closes the Old Testament with words of Law and Gospel. For all evildoers, the day of the LORD will come as a fire that burns everything in its path. In their arrogance, they have no fear of the LORD. Yet, for those who fear the LORD through faith in Christ, that same Day will bring the Sun of righteousness whose warmth brings healing. For Christians, then, that Day is full of joy as the LORD wins the victory over their greatest enemies and delivers it to them by His action. To prepare, Malachi calls the people to return to the LORD’s Word spoken through His servant Moses. He also proclaims the LORD’s promise to send a new Elijah to bring the people back to repentance in preparation for the Day of the LORD. In this, Malachi speaks of John the Baptist whose preaching called all to repentance and pointed them to Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. “Advent with th

Rev. Sean Daenzer, director of worship for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and chaplain for the International Center, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Malachi 3:1-7. The prophet Malachi is the last prophet of the Old Testament; he preaches about 400 years before Christ’s birth. He foretells John the Baptist as the coming messenger who will precede the Lord’s return to His temple. The Lord’s return to His temple means that He is in His dwelling place once again; this is fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, notably in His clearing of the temple and promise of resurrection. At His coming to His temple, He will refine and purify His people so that they will bring Him offerings in faith one again. His judgment is swift against all who remain in their sin. Though all people change, the LORD does not. His steadfast love and mercy is the reason His people have not been consumed. Though they have departed from Him, He always stands ready for His people to return; He draws them to Himself

Rev. Sean Smith, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in West Point, IL and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wine Hill, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 40:1-11. This beloved Advent text marks a turning point in the book of Isaiah. The first 39 chapters are marked by Isaiah’s preaching of judgment against the LORD’s people; his preaching was fulfilled years after Isaiah’s ministry in the Babylonian conquest. Now the prophet turns to comfort the people mourning in exile with the Word from God that He has forgiven His people’s sins and brought their warfare to an end. Isaiah foretells the ministry of John the Baptist as one who will proclaim this good news in order to prepare the way of the Lord. Although mankind and all his ability will one day fade away, hope for salvation is found in the Word of God which endures forever. Such joyous news calls for proclamation by all who believe it. Our God comes with might to rule over us as a Shepherd who gently leads us by His Word. “Advent with the Prophet

Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Church in Austin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 35:1-10. Isaiah preaches about the coming kingdom of Christ and His Church by picturing the transformation of the wilderness into a lush garden. The LORD accomplishes this now through the preaching of His Word, where we see His glory in Christ crucified, even as we look forward to the complete fulfillment at the resurrection of the dead. Though sin, death, and the devil attack us, He strengthens us with the promise of His vindication on the Last Day. The physical healings Jesus accomplished in His earthly ministry provide a foretaste of the resurrection victory that will be ours with Him on the Last Day. He not only provides the way; He is the Way of salvation. As we walk in Him, we sing with joy even now as we await the even greater joy to come. “Advent with the Prophets” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Old Testament readings appointed

Rev. Sam Beltz, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Oskaloosa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 11:1-10. Isaiah preached on the cusp of events of cosmic upheaval for Israel and Judah. Although their times may not have seemed all that bad, the prophet calls them to recognize the coming destruction, repent, and look to the LORD alone for hope. The LORD promises to act for His people’s salvation through the shoot of the stump of Jesse. He will be a King perfectly anointed with the Holy Spirit; He will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will preach the Word of God, by which He will rule in true righteousness and faithfulness. His reign will be entirely different than what any human being expects; under His reign, creation will be restored in ways that seem absurd to our imagination. This signal for all peoples is fulfilled in Jesus’ death on the cross, by which He draws people from all nations to Himself. “Advent with the Prophets” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Old T

Rev. Rick Jones, chaplain and director of spiritual life at the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch in Minot, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 23:5-8. The final years of Judah were characterized by unrighteous kings who did not faithfully shepherd the people of God. That’s why the LORD promises He will raise up the righteous King for His people from the line of David. King Zedekiah falsely bore the name, “The LORD is righteous,” but the promised King rightly bears the name, “The LORD is our righteousness.” True faith is placed in Him alone. The deliverance that He accomplishes will be even greater than the deliverance from slavery in Egypt. In this righteous Branch for David, God’s people will be gathered to their home from every nation. This has been fulfilled in the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, even as we wait for Him to return to take us to our eternal home. “Advent with the Prophets” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Old Testament readings appointed fo

Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee’s Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 33:14-16. Jeremiah is often called the Weeping Prophet. He suffered greatly for his faithful preaching to Judah concerning the judgment that the LORD was bringing upon Jerusalem. Jeremiah actually lived through that destruction; he and other faithful residents of Judah mourned greatly. Yet Jeremiah’s preaching also includes words of promise and hope for these exiles. The LORD promises the days when He will fulfill His promise to place a king on David’s throne forever. This promise is not fulfilled by a man who sits in Jerusalem, but by Jesus, who reigns over all things as the crucified, risen, and ascended Lord. He is the righteous Branch that sprouted forth from a dead line, who has executed justice and righteousness for our sins in His death on the cross. He has taken our sins away in forgiveness and bestowed upon us His holiness, so that He truly bears the name: “The LORD is Our R

Rev. Matt Ulmer, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bishop, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 64:1-9. Although Isaiah lived and preached over one hundred years before the Babylonian exile, the second part of his book speaks prophetically to Judean exiles. This text is a portion of a prayer that the prophet leads the exiles to offer to God, asking Him to come down with His aid as He had done in the days of the Exodus. Those who would set themselves up as the LORD’s enemies will receive His coming as condemnation, but those who approach the LORD with confession and repentance receive His coming as salvation. The people pray in such confession, calling upon the LORD knowing that even their righteous deeds are polluted. Yet they trust in the LORD as their Father because He has given them a Brother, Jesus Christ. In Jesus, the LORD has come down to reign for the salvation of sinners. “Advent with the Prophets” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Old Testament readings appoin

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 2:1-5. The prophet Isaiah is sometimes called “The Fifth Evangelist” because of his beautifully clear pictures of Jesus’ saving ministry. As Isaiah preached to the rebellious people of Judah and Jerusalem, he called them to repentance for their gross sin and idolatry, all the while showing them glorious pictures of the forgiveness found in the Gospel. In this text, the picture is the mountain of the LORD being raised higher than all others. This happens in the latter days when Christ is crucified and raised, when the Church proclaims the Gospel, and when Christ returns again in glory. People from all nations will stream to this mountain as the LORD’s saving Word flows forth from it. As the LORD delivers His justice, the tragedy of Cain and Abel is reversed and brother no longer will turn his hand against his brother, a reality that is fully realized only on the Last Day. The people of God are ca