Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study James 2:8-17. Jesus’ reign as King is the overarching reality for all of Christian faith and life. When Christians look upon the world, they see all people as those for whom Christ died, those to whom love is due. Partiality toward others is antithetical to this Christian faith. The whole law is given by God; to break it by showing partiality is no different that breaking it by murder or adultery. Christians first must recognize themselves as those who will be judged by God. In His judgment, He has shown mercy to us in the death of Jesus. His judgment against sin was poured out on Jesus in order to show mercy to us and to all. This faith pushes partiality out of our hearts. This faith is active in works. A faith that produces no works is dead and is in need of the saving Word of God to revive it once again. “Wisdom from Above” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Epistle of St. James

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study James 2:1-7. Favoritism is a stain of the world that must be avoided in the Church. This is founded upon the reality that Jesus Christ, our Brother, has shown Himself as the Lord of glory in His death and resurrection, thereby making all who hold the true faith brothers in Him. In this baptized family of God, distinctions between rich and poor have absolutely no place. St. James paints a vivid picture of what such evil judgment might look like in a Christian congregation. Instead, Christians must remember that they are the beloved of the Lord. Each Christian, regardless of his station in life, will inherit the same heavenly riches due to God’s gracious choice. If rich unbelievers are the ones most likely to persecute Christians, why would Christians show special honor to them within the Church, where Christ has given all the same grace? To show favoritism to the rich within a Christian congregation ultimately

Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Church in Austin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study James 1:19-27. The Word of God that begets Christians has ongoing effects. This Word is not heard only once. Instead, Christians are quick to listen to God. His Word produces a similar effect toward our neighbor; we are quick to listen and slow to speak so that we do not fall into anger, which would seek to justify sin instead of rejoice in God’s free righteousness. The implanted Word that saves our souls rids us of filthiness and wickedness. This Word is so powerful that it produces deeds when it is heard. One who does not act on the Word has forgotten what the Word has said about himself and about Christ. The Christian rejoices in the freedom God has shown him and the blessings that are given as he does lives according to the powerful Word. True religion is not found in the empty words of a man, but in the efficacious Word of God that directs our attention to those

Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Hebron, CT, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study James 1:12-18. Christian joy in the midst of trials is founded in God’s verdict declared in Christ: “Blessed.” The tests of faith reveal what is genuine, God’s gift of His kingdom in which His people reign with His Son. These trials are not temptations from God, however. His intent is never to draw us toward base, unworthy, or evil things; He never places us into a situation where the only option is to sin. Rather, our own lustful desire baits us in this way, seeking to trap us in sin. James lays out a deadly progression. Desire leads to sin, and sin leads to death. At each point, the Holy Spirit calls us to repentance lest we continue down that deadly path. God’s way is not such deception. He is the Father of lights, more reliable than even these markers of times and seasons, for He is their Creator. He only gives His good and perfect gifts. He has already done this through His Word of truth that has m

Rev. Shawn Linnell, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blair, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study James 1:5-11. Christians who lack wisdom in the midst of their trials are not directed inward to themselves. Instead, St. James focuses their attention on God, who gives without rebuking His dearly loved children. This promise enables Christians to cry out to God, not as their enemy, but as their dear Father in heaven, according to the example of Psalm 73 and Job. In this God-given wisdom, all Christians are drawn closer to Christ. The lowly are drawn closer to Christ in the riches of His grace freely given. The rich are drawn closer to Christ in the toppling of their idols that otherwise might stand in the way. As all Christians are thus drawn closer to Christ, they are drawn closer to each other in the Church. Such love from Christ and extended to others is a testimony to the whole world of what Jesus has done. “Wisdom from Above” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Epistle of St.

Rev. Dr. Curtis Giese, Professor of Religion and Interim Director of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Concordia University, Texas, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study James 1:1-4. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His half-brother James and changed him completely. During Jesus’ earthly ministry, James thought Jesus was crazy. Yet the mercy and grace of God pursued James to convert him to the true faith. This resurrection reality is evident throughout the epistle of James, written very early in the history of the Church. St. James writes to the New Testament people of God who share the faith of Abraham. They are dispersed throughout the world awaiting the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. As they eagerly expect that Day, their trials bring them joy because these trials refine their faith. Those things which would distract them from trusting Jesus are burned away so that they, like Abraham, see more clearly the work of God in His Son. In this, they are complete in Christ already, even

“Wisdom from Above” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Epistle of St. James. Contrary to what some might claim, this short epistle does not contradict St. Paul. Instead, St. James makes different, yet complementary, points concerning the Christian life. Written in a style similar to the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, this insightful epistle comforts, confronts, and strengthens Christians to live a life of good works that flow from God’s gift of faith, even in the midst of trials. 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 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 Romans 16:17-27. St. Paul concludes his epistle to the Romans with a firm warning concerning false teaching, a warm greeting from his companions, and a glorious doxology to the one true God. Though no particular false teaching seems to be in view throughout the epistle, the Apostle knows that false teachers still cause divisions and lead people astray from the one true faith. He therefore urges Christians to avoid their deceptive flattery and cling instead to the true teaching of God’s Word. This truth delivers the victory of Christ over Satan to us, which will be made fully manifest on the Last Day. Those who send their greetings to the Christians in Rome add color and context to the epistle as a whole, quite likely placing St. Paul in Corinth when he wrote. The concluding doxology ties together the key of the entire epistle, the Gosp

Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Romans 16:1-16. If we skip over St. Paul’s greetings to particular Christians in the church at Rome, we miss the reality of individual brothers and sisters in Christ and a portrait of the first century church. In the names of those St. Paul greets, we see the reality that God calls people by His grace regardless of their nationality or economic status. Men and women alike are given their place among those who belong to Christ Jesus by faith. Individuals like Phoebe provided financial means to support the work of the church. Others, such as Prisca and Aquilla, worked alongside St. Paul on behalf of the Gospel. Some, such as Phlegon and Olympas, are practically unknown to us other than this mention in St. Paul’s epistle. Yet all of them are known by the one true God, and all share together in the familial life of Christ and His church. “The Righteousness of God for You” is a mini-ser

Rev. Brady Finnern, pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Sartell, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Romans 15:22-33. St. Paul speaks to the church at Rome concerning his travel plans. Although his missionary work in the east has so far prevented him from visiting them, he intends for that to change soon. Though he has never visited these Christians in person before, he knows that his visit will be a mutual benefit for both himself and for them. Together they will be filled by the gifts of the Lord Jesus Christ. That truth leads Paul also to ask for their physical help in sending him on toward Spain. Such sharing of spiritual and material blessings is the reality behind the offering that Paul takes to the saints in Jerusalem. This Christian stewardship is not founded on guilt, but on the free riches of God in Christ Jesus. From that foundation, Paul asks for the Roman Christians to pray for his continued work and speaks the reality of God’s peace to them. “The Righteousness of God for You” is a mini

Rev. Joel Heckmann, pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Okarche, OK, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Romans 15:14-21. Although we might be tempted to skip over sections like this text, St. Paul fills even his transition toward the close of his epistle with rich theology in Christ. The Apostle encourages the Roman Christians by reminding them of Christ’s goodness that has been given to them in the instruction in the Christian faith. His writing to them was an important reminder, for no Christian can ever receive too much teaching in the Word of God. This Word of God reveals Christ as the center for Jews and Gentiles; the priestly service of the Old Testament has been fulfilled in Him so that His benefits extend to all. This work has been done by the Triune God through St. Paul. Through St. Paul’s apostleship, Christ has been fulfilling His promise to extend His good news to all nations, so that what the prophet Isaiah had foreseen over eight hundred years earlier had come to pass. The Suffering Ser

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 Romans 15:8-13. Christ Jesus gives the united voice of praise not only to the strong and weak in faith, but to Jew and Gentile. His service to the circumcised was not due to anything inherent in them; rather, Jesus showed God’s truthfulness to save by the grace that He had promised since the very beginning. The Gentiles are united in the glory given to God not due to their own works, but due to God’s mercy freely given to them in Christ. This truth is proclaimed throughout the Old Testament. St. Paul brings several passages from the Scriptures together to show forth the truth that God’s victory in Christ has always been intended for Jews and Gentiles alike. Together, they confess His deeds of salvation and sound forth His praise. Such praise is given in hope, the confident expectation that Christ will return to raise the dead and take all Christians

Rev. Nate Hill, pastor at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Winchester TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Romans 15:1-7. How ought the strong in faith regard and treat the weak in faith? St. Paul points to Jesus as foundation and example. Though the world would think the weak owe the strong, the reverse is true in the Christian church. Those who are strong in the faith are to bear with those who are weak. Rather than seeking their own good, those who are strong in the faith must instead build up the weak in faith and do what is good for them. Jesus sets the example in His passion and death. As Christ did not act for His own benefit but suffered for sinners, so Christians must not act for their own benefit but be willing to suffer for the good of each other. This instruction concerning Christ and His salvation is the content of the Old Testament, given to bring us endurance, encouragement, and hope. St. Paul prays for that very thing, in order that the Church, both weak and strong alike, would live tog

Rev. Matt Wietfeldt, director of admissions and director of the Christ Academy program at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Romans 14:13-23. The Christian refusal to judge a brother in Christ is more than a matter of outward harmony; it is a matter of building up a fellow Christian’s faith rather than destroying it. A Christian strong in the faith is rightly convinced by Jesus’ own words that all food is clean. Yet to exercise that freedom callously around a Christian not yet fully exercising that freedom is to fail to love and to miss the foundation of God’s kingdom. God’s kingdom comes in the righteousness freely given through faith in Christ. Matters which God has neither commanded nor forbidden must not be made central. Such love builds upon the service that Christ has first extended to us. True strength is found in restraint for the sake of the weak brother. He must always be viewed first and foremost as a brother in Christ, so that together the Chu

Rev. Sam Beltz, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Oskaloosa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Romans 14:1-12. The love that Christians owe to each other is free from judgment and despising. Whether weak or strong in the faith, all Christians are to welcome each other. Those Christians whose consciences allow them to live fully in the freedom they have in Christ must not despise those Christians who are not fully exercising that freedom. Similarly, those not exercising that freedom must not judge those who are; God alone stands as judge. We will all stand before Him on the Last Day to give account. For this reason, each person must be convinced on his own to live and act in thanksgiving and honor to the Lord. The lordship of Jesus provides the true unity of the Christian Church. His death and resurrection mean that He is Lord of the living and the dead; in life and in death, we belong to Him.  “The Righteousness of God for You” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through St. Paul’s Epist

Rev. Mark Barz, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Romans 13:8-14. Because their debt of sin is forgiven in Christ, the only debt Christians owe is the debt of love to the neighbor. Such love for the neighbor is the summary of the second table of the Law. Every commandment that teaches us how to act toward the neighbor is summarized like this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The commandments give shape to this Christian love, which is produced in us only because God has first loved us by showing us mercy in Christ. The time for such love is right now, for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ is nearer now than ever. Christians live in this dawning light as the darkness of sin and evil is ending. In Baptism, we have been clothed in the armor of light so that we throw the works of darkness far away. Such works of darkness build sin upon sin, but this is not the clothing we have. In this time of eager anticipation for the Lord’s return,

Rev. Matt Ulmer, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bishop, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Romans 13:1-7. The love that characterizes the Christian life has implications for the Christian’s life under governing authority. St. Paul commands Christians to place themselves willingly under the order that God has established as the Creator of all things. He alone has authority of Himself; the authority of those governing in this life stems from His. For this reason, to resist such authority is to resist what God has appointed; He is the final judge. The Christian’s life under such order, then, is characterized by the attitude St. Paul laid out in the preceding chapter; the Christian responds to evil with good. This remains true under the order of earthly governing authorities. They are God’s servants to uphold what is good and punish what is evil. The Christian’s willingness to be under this order stems not only from a fear of punishment, but the free conscience given by the mercies of God. This br

Rev. Tim Koch, pastor at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank, SD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Romans 12:9-21. Christians have been brought into new life in Christ Jesus completely by God’s grace. Now St. Paul illustrates what that life looks like. The commands that the Apostle recites are not prerequisites for entrance into God’s kingdom; rather, they are based upon the mercies of God that have already brought sinners into His kingdom. Jesus gives the concrete picture for each of the statements made. Christian love is characterized by familial love that purposefully seeks to put the neighbor first. Christian love is grounded in the confident expectation of what God has promised in Christ. This allows the Christian to respond to evil and persecution without vengeance. The Lord remains judge and avenger. Instead of returning evil for evil and therefore allowing evil only to grow, the Christian responds with that which is truly good. As Jesus overcame evil on the cross through His forgiveness, so the

Rev. Dr. Ryan Tinetti, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Arcadia, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Romans 12:1-8. The mercies of God form the foundation for the Christian life. On the basis of God’s one-way love to sinners in Christ, St. Paul now appeals to Christians concerning their life of sanctification and discipleship. Because of Jesus’ once-for-all atoning sacrifice, Christians offer their entire lives to Him as sacrifices of thanksgiving. Though the statement is paradoxical, these sacrifices are living because they are offered by those who are connected through Holy Baptism to the crucified and risen Savior. This service is the only sort of response that makes sense in light of what Jesus has done. Rather than being molded after this world, the Apostle reminds Christians to be transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit in the Word of God. This brings a renewed lens in which to view life and the world in order to live according to the will of God in the various situations that arise. Such

Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Romans 11:25-36. St. Paul continues to warn Gentile Christians against conceit. Their wisdom must not come from themselves, but from God’s Word. God’s Word gives understanding to the mystery of salvation. Though part of Israel according to the flesh has not believed in Christ, some Jews have been brought to saving faith. Gentiles too have been included in God’s promise, which means that all Israel according to faith has been saved. God has caused this to happen in one way and in one way alone: Christ crucified for sinners. He is the Deliverer God has sent. Though many ethnic Jews have rejected the Gospel as enemies of God, yet He still loves them. His promise has not and cannot be taken away. Just as God showed mercy to disobedient Gentiles, so He continues to show mercy to disobedient Jews. In all things, He remains the God who shows mercy to sinners in order to save them by His grace. For such div