Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study selected 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. 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. Doug Griebenaw, mission advocate for KFUO Radio in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 22:6-21. The conclusion of the book of Revelation emphasizes the truth and urgency of what John has seen and written, as well as all of the Holy Scriptures. Jesus promises that He is coming soon and that those who hold onto His Word as they wait for Him will be blessed. Now is the time for repentance and faith in Jesus, who is the first and the last. Those who have washed their robes in His forgiving blood will eat of the tree of life eternally; right now is the day of salvation to come to Jesus for His gifts. We long for His coming on the Last Day and continue to join in the prayer of the Church throughout the ages: “Come, Lord Jesus!” “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of supreme hope in our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord. The book of Revelation gives a heave

Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 22:1-5. John sees the river of the water of life flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb; this heavenly reality is brought near to us even now in Holy Baptism. John sees the tree of life with enduring fruit; this heavenly reality is brought near to us even now in Holy Communion. The leaves of this tree bring healing that undoes the shame that attacked Adam and Eve in Eden; this heavenly reality is brought near to us even now in Holy Absolution. The Lord dwells among His people in this holy city; this heavenly reality is brought near to us even now in the Church. Even as we see these realities with the eyes of faith right now, we long and pray for that Day when we will see these realities with the eyes of sight in the resurrection. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of s

Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 21:9-27. In contrast to the great prostitute Babylon, John now sees the true Bride and Wife of Christ. He is shown the holy Christian Church in all of her true splendor as she comes down out of heaven as the eternal holy city. The glory she has is from God, and her features and dimensions come in multiples of twelve. This is a reminder that this same Church is a reality right now, evident in the tribes of Israel in the Old Testament and those who adhere to the doctrine of the twelve apostles in the New Testament. Even as John describes things too glorious for words, it remains true reality that he sees. The presence of God and the Lamb in the city is the defining characteristic; He is the temple and the source of light. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of supreme hope

Rev. Andrew Belt, pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Marshfield, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 21:1-8. Because God has defeated His every last enemy to the uttermost, the time has come for John to see the new creation. The absence of the sea is a picture of the reality that there is no more threat to the people of God. This is the place where God promises to dwell with His people, and so all the evil effects of sin are gone. This reality has been accomplished by Christ’s finished work on the cross. As the One who is the Beginning and the End, God calls all to receive His gifts by faith; those who believe inherit God’s gifts as His beloved children. Those who refuse God’s gracious call or fall away from the faith receive the condemnation that they desire. God grant us faithfulness now so that we would receive this joyful reality for all eternity! “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation wit

Rev. Chris Hull, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Tomball, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 20:1-15. When John sees the one thousand year reign of Christ, He sees the reality that exists right now that Jesus is the Stronger Man who has bound the devil and brought us into His heavenly kingdom. This reality continues until the Last Day, even as Satan’s attacks grow stronger and his attempts to deceive and work evil grow more desperate. Even though the Church seems weak, those who trust in Christ truly reign with Him; they have been made alive by faith and have eternal life right now. Not even Satan’s worst attacks against the Church will prevail; the Lord Jesus will win the final victory over him and throw him into the eternal lake of fire. On the Day of Judgment, Christians have confidence because their names are written in Christ, the Book of Life. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation wit

Rev. Andrew Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Haven, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 19:11-21. John sees heaven opened and Jesus riding on a white horse. He brings judgment in the righteousness that He has won through His atoning sacrifice. He is Faithful and True, the very Word of God. His robe bears the stains of His own blood by which He has atoned for the sins of the whole world. As His final victory approaches, the enemies of God are gathered for a feast—the birds of the air will devour them after their defeat. The beast and the false prophet are cast into the lake of fire, for the Lord Jesus will have no enemies threaten His people ever again. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of supreme hope in our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord. The book of Revelation gives a heavenly perspective on our earthly circumstances so that the Church in every

Rev. Sean Smith, pastor at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mason City, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 19:1-10. The Lamb’s victory over Babylon, the anti-church, bring forth the singing of all the heavenly host. They join their voices in the triumphant song, “Hallelujah!” The Lamb has defeated the enemies of the Church for good, and so the Church lives in that reality. She is the bride of Christ, and she rejoices that He has come to take her into His wedding supper. Those who are invited to this feast are blessed; we are blessed as we receive the foretaste of the feast in the Lord’s Supper in the Divine Service. There, we hear the Word of God, whom alone we worship for what He has done for us in Christ, as He has revealed it to us in Holy Scripture. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of supreme hope in our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord. The book of

Rev. Mark Barz, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 18:1-24. When the Lamb wins, His enemies lose. John sees the Lamb’s defeat of the anti-church when an angel from heaven announces with a mighty voice, “Fallen, fallen, is Babylon the great.” As the anti-church becomes a wasteland, God renews His call for His people to come out from her and so receive His blessings rather than His plagues. All those who found security and wealth in the anti-church wail as they see her sudden destruction; nothing can stop it. All of those things that had brought joy within the anti-church will never again happen. The whole Church is given to rejoice at the defeat of her enemies and the eternal life that she enjoys with her Savior. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of supreme hope in our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord. The b

Rev. Kyle Mietzner, battalion chaplain with the 10th Mountain Division of the United States Army at Fort Drum, NY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 17:1-18. An angel shows John a great prostitute who represents the anti-church. In contrast to the outward weakness of the Church, the anti-church appears powerful and seduces men from every nation to have their fill of pleasure with her. However, just as Babylon of old and other forces throughout history have done, she tempts men astray for the sake of leading them to death. The angel reveals how this mystery is present in John’s day in the Roman empire, but the mystery remains present in every nation where the devil works evil. Comfort comes for Christians in seeing the Lamb who was slain as the King of kings and Lord of lords; those who are with Him share in His conquering victory. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of

Rev. Dr. Ryan Tietz, Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology and Dean of Students at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 16:12-21. God dries up the Euphrates River when the sixth censer is poured out. Though He is judging His enemies, the enemies of God take it as their opportunity to assemble together and attack His people. However, they are only allying themselves with the devil and his demonic forces. Their assembly at a place called Armageddon foreshadows God’s victory over them. That victory is completed when the seventh bowl is poured out. The proclamation, “It is done!” recalls Jesus’ triumphant cry from the cross, where He already won the victory over every enemy for us. As every other potential place of refuge falls away, the only place for safety is the crucified and risen Savior. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a

Rev. Matt Wietfeldt, Assistant Vice President of Admissions and Director of the Christ Academy Program at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 16:1-11. John hears a majestic voice from heaven call forth the seven angels with the seven censers of God’s wrath. Coming from the temple, their purpose is a clear and final call to repentance. As each censer is poured out in turn, God’s wrath is not met with repentance but further hardening. As God gives the unrepentant what they desire and deserve, the situation grows exponentially worse as the first five censers are poured out. Yet, as long Christ tarries and we continue to read this book, hope remains that God will call sinners to repentance and faith in His Son. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of supreme hope in our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord. The book of Revelation

Rev. Joel Heckmann, pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church in Okarche, OK, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 15:1-8. As another sign in heaven, John sees seven angels with the seven last plagues of God’s wrath. The saints standing beside the sea of glass mingled with fire shows that they faced tribulation in this life, yet they have come through as conquerors in Christ. They join in the song of Moses, which is the song of the Lamb, praising the righteous acts of the Savior. As the heavenly sanctuary opens, seven angels holding seven golden censers emerge, ready to pour out God’s wrath. Escape from God’s wrath is received by those who trust in Jesus, who has received the wrath of God in our place already on the cross. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of supreme hope in our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord. The book of Revelation gives a heavenly perspective on our ea

Rev. Mark Squire, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 14:14-20. The cosmic view of history reaches a climax and conclusion as the Son of Man brings in the harvest of the earth. As the harvest must be reaped when the time arrives, so the Son of Man will return when the Last Day is here, and He will judge all people, the living and the dead. The vision of the general harvest then zooms in particularly on the reaping of the wicked, seen in the harvest of grapes. Though the Lord had done everything for them, they rejected His grace, and so their condemnation on the Last Day will be complete. The text serves as a warning to all those who would reject the Lord’s love and encourages Christians in faithfulness to Jesus until the Last Day. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of supreme hope in our crucified, risen, and ascended

Rev. Joel Haak, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Fraser, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 14:6-13. In opposition to the beast from the sea and the beast from the land, the Lord sends an angel who flies in the midst of the heavens to proclaim the eternal Gospel that proclaims the victory of the Lamb. Even as the dragon and his beasts proclaim their lies, the Church continually calls sinners to fear God and give Him glory for the salvation He has won in Christ. A second angel proclaims that all the political and religious forces that ally against the Lord are fallen. A third angel proclaims that those who refuse the Lord’s call to repentance will receive His wrath without rest. This message brings endurance to the saints, whose death is not in vain. The Lord calls them blessed even in death, for they rest from their labors and their works follow them. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelatio

Rev. Daniel Golden, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Parkersburg, WV, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 14:1-5. Though the dragon and his two beasts attack the people of God, John sees that the Church is still standing with the victorious Lamb in His holy presence. They have been marked as belonging to the true God with His own name in Holy Baptism, and their voices join together as one to sing His praises. Though the battle still rages, they know the victory belongs to Jesus and all who belong to Him by faith. That is why they refuse all idolatry and follow the Lamb wherever He goes, for He finally leads them to eternal life. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of supreme hope in our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord. The book of Revelation gives a heavenly perspective on our earthly circumstances so that the Church in every generation is challenged, comforted,

Rev. Sam Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 13:11-18. The dragon finds another ally in his war against the Church in the beast from the land. This second beast has an appearance that mimics the Lamb, indicating that this beast represents those religious forces that attack the Church through false doctrine. This second beast deceives the world to worship the first beast through religious lies and marks all false worshipers as belonging to it. Since Christians have been marked as God’s in Holy Baptism, they are not marked as belonging to the beast, and they suffer from it. Yet the Lord is faithful in preserving those whom He has marked as His own; Christians do not need to fear the mark or the number of the beast. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of supreme hope in our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord. The bo

Rev. Matt Ulmer, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bishop, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 13:1-10. The dragon calls forth allies in his attacks against Christians. The beast from the sea is reminiscent of the vision of Daniel 7, indicating that this first beast shows the way that the devil attacks the Church through political power aligned against the Lord and His Word. Because of the signs accomplished by this beast, the world is deceived to give worship to the beast and dragon that in reality belongs only to the true God. The sea beast is allowed to attack and conquer the Church for a time, yet the vision given to John encourages the Church to faithful endurance in the midst of martyrdom. The names of every Christian are written in the Lamb’s book of life, and He has given His victory to all who belong to Him. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of supreme

Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 12:7-17. As John continues to see the cosmic scope of history, he gets a glimpse of the heavenly battle. Michael and the holy angels fight against the dragon and his demons, and the dragon is thrown out of heaven by virtue of Jesus’ victorious death, resurrection, and ascension. The saints participate in this victory through the blood of Jesus and the word of their testimony, which they give even to death. Heaven rejoices, but woe comes to earth, because the devil doesn’t lounge around and mope his loss. He continues to attack the Church as a whole, but the Lord provides protection through His Word. Even still, the devil attacks individual Christians ruthlessly; we flee to Christ for refuge against the dragon’s temptations, knowing that one little Word can fell him. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at R

Rev. Jeffrey Ries, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Tacoma, WA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 12:1-6. After the seventh trumpet sounds, John sees a great sign in heaven that pictures all of history in a grand cosmic battle between the one true God and the devil. The woman with child is clothed by the Lord; she represents the promise of the Savior that was first given to Eve, was carried by the faithful people of God, and finally was born of the Virgin Mary. The dragon is the devil, whose aim is to destroy this Promised Offspring. Throughout the Old Testament, the dragon unsuccessfully attacked the line of the Seed. At the birth of Jesus and throughout His ministry, the devil continued his attacks, but the Father glorified the Son and made His mission of salvation successful. The Church now is sustained by God in the wilderness of this life even as the devil continues his wily attacks. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John.