Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Mark Barz, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 18:15-19. The Old Testament texts for the season of Advent point us to the hope of Jesus as the fulfillment of all of God’s promises. As a new generation of the people of Israel prepared to enter into the Promised Land, Moses reminds them of all the wonderful things that the LORD has done for His people. The LORD promises that He will send from among the people of Israel a prophet like Moses. The prophets who follow Moses all bear similarities to his ministry as they faithfully speak the Word of God that He places into their mouths. Jesus is the fulfillment of this promise; He is the Prophet par excellence. In fact, Jesus is more than a prophet; He is the Word of God made flesh. He continues this work through the ministry of His Church as His Word is proclaimed to all nations still today. “Advent with the Prophets” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Old Testament

“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. As we spend time hearing the words of the prophets, the saints who waited patiently in the years before Christ’s coming in the flesh at Christmas, we too are prepared to receive Christ now in His Word and Sacrament, even as we wait for Him to come again in glory. 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. Sam Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, IN joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Luke 17:11-19. This is a rebroadcast from November 20, 2019. 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 flesh. He returns to Jesus as the true Priest, the one who makes the final sacrifice for sin. He

Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cullman, AL joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Philippians 4:6-20. This is a rebroadcast from November 28, 2019. 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 Philippians sent. He had learned to be content in every circumstance, whether full or hungry, wheth

Rev. Dr. Christopher Jackson, pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Algoma, WI and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Forestville, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Titus 3:9-15. The Judaizing tendencies that were present among the Christians at Crete must be avoided. Nothing can be added to the salvation that is given by grace through faith in Christ. Controversy that contends for this true faith is needed; however, controversy over family history or simply for the sake of fighting is useless and foolish. Those who are intent upon stirring up division should be rebuked for refusing to let love accompany the truth. Such a rebuke, even if it leads to excommunication, is needed for the sake of the Christian congregation and for the sake of the individual, that he might be drawn anew to repentance. Paul mentions some of his coworkers in the Gospel as he concludes his epistle, encouraging Titus and the Cretan Christians to devote themselves to the good works that God has given them. “The Word is Trustwor

Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church and School in Terra Bella, CA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Titus 3:1-8. Christian living at home extends into Christian living in the world. The order that God provides under civil authority is intended for our good; Christians are submissive in thanksgiving to God’s gifts. Not only in relation to governing authorities, but in relation to all people the Christian’s life stands in complete contrast to the way of the world. The pattern of life set by the world is absolutely horrible. Although neither Paul nor Titus nor any person can save himself from this emptiness, God can and does. He has done so completely out of His mercy. This grace has appeared in the water and Word of Holy Baptism, which has taken us out of the worthless ways of the world and brought us into the new life that is found in Jesus alone. “The Word is Trustworthy” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the three pastoral epistles: 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus. T

Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor at Peace Lutheran Church in Finlayson, MN and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bruno, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Titus 2:1-15. Healthy doctrine and godly living go hand-in-hand for Christians. Depending on a person’s station in life, certain temptations are more alluring. Paul instructs Titus to teach Christians accordingly, whether they are older men, older women, younger women, or younger women. Through each station in life, self-control serves as an overarching fruit of the Spirit. Christians strive toward such a holy life in order to adorn the truth from God our Savior. He has appeared as a baby born in Bethlehem in order to save us, and He will appear again on the Last Day to raise us and take us to our eternal home. As we Christians wait for His second appearing, we remain zealous for the good works He has given us to do. “The Word is Trustworthy” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the three pastoral epistles: 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus. Thes

Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, assistant professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Titus 1:10-16. Those who refuse to live under God’s order in the church and the world fall into vanity and deception. Though they may give the appearance of order by all that they command, they only follow the commands of man and so prove themselves insubordinate to God. This teaching showed itself in a demand for circumcision in Paul’s day; it shows itself today in a demand for obedience to any human command. Titus was stationed in Crete to silence such teaching, even though Paul reminds him not to be surprised when it pops up in multiple places. He, and all faithful pastors, must give a sharp rebuke to this false teaching, lest such deadly doctrine lead to bear fruit in an ungodly life. Though the false teachers think they know God, their works prove otherwise. Paul gives such a sharp rebuke because the stakes are high. Only the healthy doctrine of the

Rev. Dr. Adam Filipek, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church and Immanuel Lutheran Church, both in Lidgerwood, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Titus 1:1-9. As Paul writes to Titus, the pastor he left to serve on the island of Crete, he identifies himself as a servant of God. He is bound to do what his master says to do; he is bound to do what his master gives him to say. That message is the gospel of Jesus Christ, who is the Truth of salvation for sinners. In Him, we have the hope of eternal life which God promised before the ages and now gives in time through the preaching of the Word by Paul, by Titus, and by all pastors. Paul reminds Titus of his task of appointing pastors there on Crete to bring order to the Church through their preaching of sound doctrine according to God’s Word. Throughout the qualifications listed for these men, the theme is clear that they ought not to give any obstacle to the preaching of the Word. Instead, they are to cling to that trustworthy word and preach it plainly s

Rev. Jeff Hemmer, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Timothy 4:9-22. Paul concludes his second letter to Timothy with final encouragement to the young pastor. Paul’s human emotions are clear as he speaks of those who have left him and his desire for Timothy to do his best to come for a visit. As Paul lists many different individuals in this conclusion, the warning against love for the world and falling into false teaching is made plain. Most striking is the way Paul’s words preach the hope of God’s rescue in the resurrection to himself. Echoing the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostle knows that he and all who trust in Christ will at last be delivered from evil when the Lord returns and raises His people to everlasting life. “The Word is Trustworthy” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the three pastoral epistles: 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus. These three letters are named after their recipients, two young pastors in the Christian Chur

Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Timothy 4:1-8. Paul puts Timothy under his ordination vows once more. Whether it is a time when the Word is received with joy or a time when the Word is rejected with hatred, the preacher must preach the Word of God as it has been given in Holy Scripture. This teaching is sure and firm, yet delivered with patience as God works when and where He wills. As people turn this way and that looking for a false preacher to scratch their sinful itch, Timothy, and every pastor, must remain faithful in proclaiming the truth of God’s Law for the purpose of preaching the Gospel and thus fulfilling his ministry. Paul stands as an example of this. His life and ministry are a pleasing offering before the Lord because of the righteousness freely given to Him in Christ. By that grace, Paul knows that his impending death will lead to his reception of the crown of righteousness that is given to all who love the Lord’s ap

Rev. David Appold pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Timothy 3:10-17. Paul has given Timothy something infinitely greater than the vices that will be manifest in the last days. He has given Timothy the truth teaching of God’s Word, which begets sanctification in the Christian’s life. Paul’s faith, patience, and steadfastness have all served as an example to Timothy, and they have led to Paul’s suffering and persecution. God uses these gifts to show the truth of His Word in all circumstances, for Paul, for Timothy, for pastors, and for every Christian. The sufferings that Paul endured in Asia Minor are well-known examples of this for Timothy. Therefore, he must continue in the Scriptures that he has learned from childhood and has continued to learn from Paul. Because the Scriptures have God as their author, they are inerrant and infallible, able to deliver wisdom for faith in Jesus Christ and to equip the pastor and all Christians for every good work.

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 2 Timothy 3:1-9. Paul tells Timothy and all Christians the difficulty that will arise during the last days so that they can be faced with true confidence in Christ. The seasons of difficulty grow stronger and more frequent as Christ’s return draws closer, not in order to lead us to predict it, but in order to keep us watchful and ready. The list of vices Paul enumerates paint a dark picture. As people turn to love of self and love of pleasure over love of God, the disruption of the goodness of God’s order in marriage and family will be evident. Though such vice may give the false appearance of godliness, Paul calls Timothy and all faithful Christians to identify it and avoid those who peddle it. Wisdom to do so will not come from endless talking but only from the life-giving Word of God. He will not allow false teaching and false teachers to win the day,

Do Christians rightly divide the Word of truth by dividing Israel from the Church or by dividing history into different dispensations? What is dispensational premillennialism anyway, and where does it depart from God's Word? What does Paul want Timothy to do with the Word of truth? Join Pastor Timothy Appel for some bonus podcast material on 2 Timothy 2:15. To find out more about dispensational premillennialism, check out these two documents from the Commission on Theology and Church Relations of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod: The End Times: A Study on Eschatology and Millennialism A Lutheran Response to the "Left Behind" Series “The Word is Trustworthy” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the three pastoral epistles: 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus. These three letters are named after their recipients, two young pastors in the Christian Church. St. Paul gives instruction to these two men concerning the doctrine and life of the congregations where they are given to serve. In these epist

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 2 Timothy 2:14-26. As Timothy fights the good fight of faith, he must not engage in worthless quarrels. No pastor is given to fight for the sake of fighting or for the sake of winning an argument. Such quarrels only harm hearers and may even spread the disease of false teaching. Instead, pastors are called to handle the Word of truth in such a way that those who hear will be called to repentance and faith in Christ. In this, they are shown to be tested and approved as one who is not ashamed of God or His Gospel. As Timothy particularly faces a false teaching concerning the resurrection of the dead, Paul gives him the confidence that God knows who belongs to Him and will make it plain on the Last Day. This encourages Timothy to flee from dishonorable youthful passions and pursue the honorable fruit of the Spirit. As Timothy and all pastors do so, they are giv

Rev. Shawn Linnell, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blair, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Timothy 2:1-13. As Paul faces his impending execution, Paul writes to his dear son Timothy so that he would not find strength in himself, but be strengthened by God through the grace that is found in Jesus. Yet Paul is not myopic; he keeps in mind the needs of the whole Church as he encourages Timothy to entrust the Word of God to other faithful men. Paul commends to Timothy the example of a soldier and an athlete, encouraging him to remain focused on the task given by Christ as Timothy endures toward the end. The example of the farmer reminds Timothy that he too must receive the Gospel that he is given to preach. This Gospel centers on Jesus, who is risen from the dead and will not fail to raise Paul or any of His Christians. Though Jesus’ servants may be bound as He once was, His Word is never bound. This serves as an encouragement to Timothy to endure as Paul does for the sake of the Church. Even a

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 2 Timothy 1:8-18. Although the Gospel brings with it suffering at the foolishness of the cross, Christians do not run from such suffering because the cross is truly God’s power to save. Therefore, Christians are not ashamed of the Word or of its servants. Those who serve as pastors are not saved or called because of their own works, but solely because of God’s grace. That grace is evident in God’s election to salvation from before the ages, which He has also shown forth in the death and resurrection of His Son. Paul is not ashamed of this and is imprisoned for it, and he urges Timothy to the same fearlessness. He must confess sound doctrine, choosing faithfulness over everything else. Though others in Ephesus have fallen into shame, Paul urges Timothy to remember God’s mercy by which Onesiphorus and all Christians are saved. “The Word

Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Timothy 1:1-7. Paul’s imprisonment adds a sense of urgency to his second letter to Timothy. Because the Apostle senses that his death is near, he writes to Timothy once more, not only to ask him to come visit him in prison, but especially to urge him to faithfulness in sound doctrine. The affection that Paul and Timothy share for each other in the faith is evident as Paul greets the young pastor and gives thanks for him. The Christian faith they both confess is the continuation of the faith taught in the Old Testament, which was given faithfully to Timothy by his mother and grandmother. For this reason, Paul urges Timothy to fan into flame God’s gift, for His gift alone enables Timothy to go about the task he has been given. “The Word is Trustworthy” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the three pastoral epistles: 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus. These three letter

Rev. Tim Storck, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Chesterfield Township, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Timothy 6:11-21. Paul concludes his first letter to Timothy by repeating his charge to the young pastor. Not only must he flee from false doctrine and the love of money, but he must run toward the good gifts that God gives through His Word. The fight of the faith leads to resurrection and eternal life for Timothy and his hearers. His bold confession of the faith before the world is given in the presence of God the Father, who gives life, and in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, who made the good confession Himself as He suffered for the salvation of sinners. Because He will return at the appointed time set by the Father, Timothy is given boldness to proclaim the truth until that Day. Until that Day, the rich in possessions must remain rich in good works, and Timothy and all Christians must hold onto the good deposit of teaching that delivers Christ crucified for sinners. “The

Rev. Kurt Cockran, pastor at Faith Lutheran Church in Tucson, AZ, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Timothy 6:3-10. As Paul begins to bring his first letter to Timothy to a close, he again reminds the young pastor of the importance of sound doctrine. Only the healthy words of Jesus Christ can bring true spiritual health and godliness. Those who teach anything different, though claiming great knowledge, actually understand nothing. They would either fall into the distraction of quarreling over obscure passages or into the danger of questioning the clear truth of God’s Word. Paul instructs Timothy to rebuke such false teachers, all the while caring for those who have been misled as false learners. Paul particularly points out how false teaching leads toward the idolatry of riches. The desire to be rich and the love of money can lead to all kinds of evil, even to a forsaking of the truth. God gives great gain to His people through contentment with His gifts for this life and the next. “The Word is Trust