Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

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.

Rev. Andrew Jagow, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 11:15-19. When the seventh angel sounds his trumpet, loud voices in heaven begin to proclaim the reign of Jesus over all things forever. The twenty-four elders, representative of the whole Church, sing in thanksgiving and praise to the Lord God Almighty who has all authority. Although the nations rage against Him and His Church, Jesus rewards His servants on the Last Day. John sees the heavenly temple open to reveal the ark of the covenant, a reminder that access is granted to the Father through the blood of Jesus sprinkled on the mercy seat of God. “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 c

Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church and School in Terra Bella, CA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 11:1-14. John is given a rod to measure the temple and those who worship there, while the court outside the temple is given to nations to trample for a time. This pictures the Lord’s promise to sustain His Church even as the world persecutes her. The work of the Church is pictured through the work of the two witnesses. The activity of these two witnesses is reminiscent of the work of faithful Elijah and Moses. Though the world hated and attacked them, the power of the Word of God remained. The world rejoiced to kill the Church, but any victory of the world is short-lived. The risen Lord raises His Church and protects her for all eternal danger. “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 Revelat

Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 10:1-13. In the midst of the sixth trumpet, John sees another mighty angel who bears many similarities to Christ Himself. This mighty angel holds a little scroll that is open while standing astride the sea and the land, showing us the majesty of the Gospel. Although John desires to write down the message of the seven thunders, a voice from heaven forbids it. Instead, John is given to eat the little scroll from the hand of the mighty angel. The taste is sweet in his mouth but makes his stomach bitter. This is a reminder that God’s Word is necessary and effective in both Law and Gospel. Though the message may seem small in the eyes of the world, truly it is a glorious Word that God has given to His people. “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. Caleb Adams, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bend, OR, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 9:1-21. When the fifth trumpet sounds, the devil is given the key to the bottomless pit, from which he releases locusts who have power like scorpions. They harm those who are not Christians, and their torment is worse than the torment of death. Their dreadful power represents the deadly force in all false doctrine. As this first woe passes, the sixth angel sounds his trumpet. Four angels at the river Euphrates are released at the appointed time to kill a third of mankind. This demonic army also brings deadly false doctrine. However, the rest of mankind does not repent of their idolatry or their sinful works. Comfort is found in this text for Christians in the fact that none of this is outside of the control of the risen Christ. He directs all things and protects His people from the devil and his works. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to

Rev. Dr. Adam Filipek, pastor at Holy Cross and Immanuel Lutheran Churches in Lidgerwood, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 8:1-13. The opening of the seventh seal leads to a short time of silence in heaven in anticipation of the blowing of the seven trumpets. Before the seven angels begin to blow their seven trumpets, another angel stands at the incense altar with the prayers of the saints rising before God. As this angel begins to cast fire from the altar upon the earth, the sound of thunder and rumblings bring a reminder of the presence of God at Mt. Sinai. As the first four angels blow their trumpets, destruction comes, normally afflicting a third of various things on the earth. Such destruction could be physical, or it could be representative of the destructive nature of false doctrine. After the fourth trumpet blows, an eagle makes plain that the remaining trumpet blasts will bring far worse woes. In the midst of all this, the Lord continues to hear the prayers of His saints and r

Rev. Andy Wright, pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 7:9-17. After hearing the number of those sealed, John sees their host is innumerable. Though they come from every nation and language, they are all clothed in white robes and holding palm branches of Jesus’ victorious suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension. Their song of praise sounds forth along with the whole heavenly host, declaring the salvation that God has won. One of the elders asks John about this white-robed crowd, and he answers his own question. Their robes have been made spotless by the blood of the Lamb, who has brought them out of the great tribulation into eternal life. In this eternal life, sin and its effects are all banished, for the Lamb of God is the Good Shepherd who has sheltered His people by laying down His life and taking it back up again. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some lo

Rev. Tim Koch, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Linn, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 7:1-8. Before the seventh seal is opened, John sees the answer to the question, “Who can stand on the great day of the Lamb?” He sees four angels restraining the four winds by which the Lord would bring His judgment on the earth. A fifth angel comes from the rising of the sun, which is the place of hope and new life. This angel instructs the other angels not to let any harm come until all of God’s servants are marked as His people. John hears that 144,000 from the tribes of Israel are sealed. This indicates that the Lord knows the fullness of His Church here on earth; He knows each one who is His own. “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

Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 6:9-17. When the Lamb opens the fifth seal, John sees the souls of the martyrs under the altar praying to the Sovereign Lord, asking Him how long it will be until He exacts justice on the earth. Their prayer is answered through the white robe of Christ’s righteousness that covers them, and they are granted continued rest during the Lord’s patience to bring His elect. The opening of the sixth seal reveals that end for which the saints are praying. The signs in the sky terrify all those who see them, and they attempt to flee from the wrath of the Lamb. The only ones that can stand on that Day are those who are found in Christ through faith. “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. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 6:1-8. As the ascended and reigning Lamb opens the first four seals of the scroll, the four living creatures call forth four horses of different colors. Each of the riders brings something different with him, yet none of this is outside of the Lord’s Almighty power. Even when trouble and suffering comes upon this world, the people of God have the confidence that He is sustaining them and directing history toward the end that He desires. Though these four horses and their riders may seem frightening, those who are in Christ need not be afraid. “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 challeng

Rev. Sean Daenzer, Director of Worship for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and chaplain for the International Center in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 5:1-14. As John’s vision of the heavenly throne room continues, he sees a scroll in the Father’s right hand. Written within and on the back, God knows and directs all of history; none of it is a surprise to Him or beyond His control. To John’s sorrow, no human being is found at first who is worthy to open this scroll and read the wonderful counsels of God for humanity. One of the elders bids John to stop weeping, for the promised Savior from the line of Judah, the One who is David’s Son and David’s Lord, has come. John sees Jesus standing before God’s throne as the Lamb who is slain. The Crucified and Risen Savior reigns! When He takes the scroll, the new song of joy breaks forth. The four living creatures, the twenty-four elders, the myriads of angels, and all creation echo back and forth the praises of the Lamb who was

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 Revelation 4:1-11. After John finishes writing the seven letters to the seven churches, Jesus calls him to come through an open door into God’s throne room. There, John witnesses the heavenly perspective of the events on earth through the lens of the worship before God’s throne. God the Father sits on the heavenly throne in all His brilliant glory. The rainbow around His throne is a sign of His faithfulness to His people of every generation. The twenty-four elders are around God’s throne representing the whole Church of both the Old and New Testaments. Along with the four living creatures who stand watch around God’s throne, they all worship the Lord for who He is as the eternal and almighty God. The glory that God gave to His Church is given back to Him in praise for His work of creating and sustaining all things. This scene of heavenly worship brings com

Rev. Shawn Linnell, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blair, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 3:14-22. Jesus writes the the church in Laodicea as the Amen, the One whose words are entirely true. He criticizes them for their lukewarm faith, neither hot nor cold, good only to be spit out. They must recognize their true spiritual poverty and blindness and look for riches and sight through Him alone. Though Jesus’ Words are severe, He calls them back to Himself in repentance as a matter of discipline and love. He stands near in His Word, calling out to them to believe in Him and so conquer through faith. Those who hear Him and believe will reign with Him in glory. “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. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 3:7-13. The letter Jesus sends to the church in Philadelphia commends them for their patient endurance. He stands before them as the Holy One who holds the key of David. He has placed an open door before them. He has brought them through that door into eternal life. As they proclaim the message of salvation in Christ alone among those who have not received Jesus as the Promised Messiah, hope still remains that God’s Word will lead more to salvation. Jesus is coming soon, and so those who hear must hold fast to His Gospel. Jesus will cause the one who conquers by faith to stand firm, no matter what shaking may occur. His people belong to Him, with the name of God written on them in Holy Baptism. “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, ri

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 Revelation 3:1-6. The letter Jesus sends to the church in Sardis is the strongest call to repentance so far. He identifies Himself as the One who sends the Holy Spirit to bring the hope of repentance to this church. Though they have the reputation of being alive with good works, truly their faith is dead. The gift of repentance will come as they remember what they have already been taught. They must wake up before the Lord returns in glory. Some in Sardis have not fallen away, so there remains hope for the congregation. Jesus promises that the one who conquers by faith will be clothed in the holiness bestowed in Baptism. Jesus will write that person’s name into the book of life and confess that person before the Father in heaven. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Alt

Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 2:18-29. The city of Thyatira was known for its commerce and trade, yet Jesus as the Son of God whose feet are like burnished bronze has authority and wealth far above anything else. The church in Thyatira is commended for their love, faith, service, and patient endurance; they have grown in this sanctification. But the Lord Jesus critiques their tolerance of the false prophetess who is encouraging compromise toward idolatry. This false prophetess and all who have allied with her will be condemned. To those who have not followed after such lies, Jesus encourages faithfulness. Those who hold to Him in faith will have a share in His eternal kingdom. “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 boo