Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Sean Daenzer, Director of Worship for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and chaplain at the International Center in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 10:1-10. Jesus continues speaking to the Pharisees who claim to see but are actually blind. Using the imagery of a shepherd and his sheep, Jesus calls the Pharisees robbers who do not direct people to Him. When Jesus calls His sheep, however, they recognize His voice and follow Him. He is the door for the sheep; only through Jesus can one enter into salvation. Whereas the Pharisees and all those who direct people away from Jesus only lead to eternal death, Jesus bestows true life now and eternally. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry. As we read the Word of God recorded by St. John, the Holy Spirit works in us so that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, th

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 John 9:24-41. As the Pharisees continue their investigation into Jesus’ healing of the man born blind, their mind is already made up. They attempt to get the man to join them in their unbelief, but his eyes continue to be opened spiritually as he sticks to the simple truth of what Jesus has done for him. When the Pharisees cast the man out of the synagogue, Jesus comes to the man and reveals Himself as the Son of Man. Now the man truly sees Jesus as he worships Him. Though the Pharisees claim to see the truth, they actually are blind because they do not believe in Jesus. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry. As we read the Word of God recorded by St. John, the Holy Spirit works in us so that

Rev. Shawn Linnell, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blair, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 9:1-23. When Jesus and His disciples pass a man born blind, the disciples ask a question with incorrect assumptions. Jesus corrects them and invites them to see how God is at work for this man as Jesus gives the man the ability to see. The ensuing investigation into Jesus’ act includes the awe and wonder at the neighbors of the man, who begins to have his eyes of faith opened to Jesus. The Pharisees are divided concerning Jesus as they begin to investigate the matter, though their hardness against Jesus is evident in their desire to put out of the synagogue anyone who confesses Jesus as the Christ. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry. As we read the Word of God recorded by St. John, the Holy Spirit works in us so that we might bel

Rev. Doug Griebenaw, mission advocate for KFUO Radio in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 8:48-59. The Jews disputing with Jesus attempt to insult Jesus by labeling Him a Samaritan, and they attempt to discredit Jesus by saying He must have a demon. Jesus tells them that He does not have a demon, for He only honors His Father, who is the Judge. Those who keep Jesus’ Word, however, need not fear judgment, for they are saved from death. Those listening only become further convinced that Jesus is demon-possessed, yet Jesus only continues to emphasize His connection to the Father and the truth that Abraham believed in Him ahead of time. Jesus lays everything on the table when He climactically states that He is the one true God: “Before Abraham was, I AM!” Though the Jews are ready to stone Jesus for such a statement, we rejoice in the truth that Jesus is God in the flesh to be our Savior. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St.

Rev. Mark Squire, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 8:39-47. The Jews disputing with Jesus insist that Abraham is their father. Jesus tells them that if that were true, they would follow in Abraham’s footsteps of faith. Because they are seeking to kill Jesus, the One in whom Abraham believed, they cannot be true children of Abraham. They insult Jesus’ supposed lineage before claiming for themselves the Old Testament truth that God is their Father. Yet Jesus once again reminds them that this cannot be true, because they do not believe in Him. Instead, their father is the devil, who is only full of lies and murder. Jesus challenges them to convict Him of sin; if they cannot, then they ought to believe in Him. Though they do not by their own stubborn unbelief, by God’s grace through the Holy Spirit, we do hear Jesus and so hear God. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The discip

Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 8:30-38. After Jesus says that He will be lifted up on the cross, many of those listening believe in Him. Jesus tells them that to be His disciples truly, they must remain in His Word which alone gives the truth that brings freedom. When the Jews dispute that they need such freedom as offspring of Abraham, Jesus declares that they are slaves of sin. The Son must be the One to set them free. By rejecting the Son and His Word, they show that, although they can trace their lineage to Abraham, they actually have a different father. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry. As we read the Word of God recorded by St. John, the Holy Spirit works in us so that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and so have life by fai

Rev. Joel Heckmann, pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Okarche, OK, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 8:21-29. As Jesus’ dispute with the Jews continues, He reveals that the heart of sin is unbelief; this is the true problem His audience has. Because they do not believe in Him, they will die in their sins. Though they ask the right question concerning Jesus’ identity, they do not believe the answer Jesus has been giving. This answer is centered in the fact that Jesus will be lifted up on the cross for the salvation of sinners. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry. As we read the Word of God recorded by St. John, the Holy Spirit works in us so that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and so have life by faith in His name.

Rev. Nate Hill, pastor at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Winchester, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 8:12-20.   Jesus takes up a Scriptural theme that stretches from Genesis to Revelation when He declares: “I am the light of the world.” As Old Testament Israel followed the LORD in the pillar of could and fire, so Jesus calls His people to follow Him as His disciples. The Pharisees are unwilling to believe Jesus on His own testimony. Jesus insists that His testimony about Himself is true, even if the Pharisees won’t believe it as they judge Him according to the flesh. Jesus knows the Father’s testimony about Him is true; those who know Him truly know the Father.  “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry. As we read the Word of God recorded by St. John, the Holy Spirit works in us so that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ

Rev. Sam Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 7:53-8:11. Although manuscript evidence leads to questions as to whether or not this text belongs in this particular spot in the Gospel according to St. John, the text does record an event that occurred during the ministry of Jesus. While Jesus is teaching in the temple, the scribes and Pharisees attempt to trap Jesus by bringing before Him a woman caught in the act of adultery. They attempt to pit Jesus’ compassion against the Law of Moses. Jesus stoops down to write before telling them that the one without sin can throw the first stone against the woman. They slowly leave, until Jesus addresses the woman in mercy. Though Jesus is the One without sin who could justly condemn us sinners, He comes to take our condemnation upon Himself. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as a

Rev. Matt Ulmer, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bishop, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 7:32-52. When the Pharisees send officers to arrest Jesus at the Feast of Booths, His teaching leaves them amazed so that they don’t take action. The crowd continues to misunderstand what Jesus means when He teaches, and they are divided concerning whether Jesus is the Prophet, the Christ, or someone else entirely. Opposition to Jesus continues to build among the Pharisees. For His part, Jesus continues to teach. On the great day of the Feast on which water played a part of the ritual, Jesus proclaims Himself as the source of living water. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry. As we read the Word of God recorded by St. John, the Holy Spirit works in us so that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and so have li

Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 7:14-31. During the middle of the Feast of Booths, Jesus begins to teach in Jerusalem. The Jews there marvel that Jesus can teach such things though He has never studied formally from any of their rabbis. Jesus identifies His teaching with His Father’s teaching and once again reminds His hearers that Moses taught the truth about Him. Jesus’ teaching prompts even more questions about who He is and where He comes from. Some people believe in Jesus; some want to arrest Him. However, no one lays a hand on Jesus for the hour of His death had not yet come. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry. As we read the Word of God recorded by St. John, the Holy Spirit works in us so that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, a

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 John 7:1-13. After the Bread of Life Discourse, Jesus continues His ministry in Galilee because the Jews in Judea were ready to kill Him. When the time for the Feast of Booths arrives, Jesus’ brothers show their misunderstanding and their unbelief when they urge Him to go to Judea and make a name for Himself. Jesus replies by telling them that His time has not yet come; the hour is not yet at hand for Him to go to His death and resurrection. Yet Jesus does still go privately to the Feast, where questions about His identity swirl among the people. Such questions continue today, even as Jesus has given the answer through His death and resurrection. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life an

Rev. James Uglum, pastor at Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church in St. Peters, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 6:60-71. The crowd recognizes Jesus’ words as difficult, yet He does not back down from the truth. He tells the people that they will only have life through the work of the Spirit in His Words; in this way, the Father draws people to Jesus. Tragically, many of Jesus’ disciples turn back. When Jesus asks the Twelve if they will also go away, Peter makes the good confession that all Christians echo still today: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed and have come to know that you are the Holy One of God.” “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry. As we read the Word of God recorded by St. John, the Holy Spirit works in us so that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the S

Rev. David Boisclair, pastor at Bethesda and Faith Lutheran Churches in north St. Louis County, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 6:52-59. When the Jews dispute how Jesus could give His flesh to eat, Jesus only doubles down on His teaching. Not only must they eat His flesh, they must also drink His blood to have life. This eating and drinking happens by faith for all who believe in Jesus, and Jesus also gives His flesh and blood for Christians to eat and drink in the Holy Sacrament. Jesus promises that those who eat His flesh and drink His blood will be raised on the Last Day. In this way, Jesus is greater than manna or any other bread, for His flesh and blood give eternal life. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry. As we read the Word of God recorded by St. John, the Holy Spirit works in us so that we might believe that Jesu

Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 6:41-51. As the Israelites grumbled at Moses in the wilderness, so the Jews in the Capernaum synagogue grumble at Jesus. They think they can know Jesus rightly because they know Joseph and Mary. Jesus corrects them by pointing to His Father in heaven. Only those drawn by the Father can come to Jesus, who will raise His people on the Last Day. Those who believe in Jesus thus have eternal life right now. The manna in the wilderness sustained life for a time, but those who ate it still died. Jesus is the bread of life who comes down from heaven because He gives His flesh for the life of the world. Those who eat of His flesh will live forever. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry. As we read the Word of God recorded by St. John, the H

Rev. Jason Kaspar, pastor at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in La Grange, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 6:34-40. When the crowd in the Capernaum synagogue ask Jesus for the bread He has described, He tells them in no uncertain terms, “I am the bread of life.” Through His “I am” statements, Jesus recalls the divine name first given to Moses. As the bread of life, Jesus is the One who satisfies our every lack, not only in this life, but also in the resurrection. He will not cast out those given to Him by the Father; He will not lose those who belong to Him. Instead, He will raise His people on the Last Day. This is the will of the Father that Jesus accomplishes, and it is a great comfort to us to know that He will give us the fullness of life in the resurrection of the dead on the Last Day. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry

Rev. Dr. Adam Filipek, pastor at Holy Cross and Immanuel Lutheran Churches in Lidgerwood, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 6:22-33. The crowd looking for Jesus begins to do the math and realizes he must have gotten across the Sea of Galilee in an unusual way. As Jesus begins to teach them in the Capernaum synagogue, He tells them that they have not truly seen the signs. They are concerned only with food that sustains this life; they should be seeking the food that gives eternal life. When they ask about the work of God that they must do, Jesus directs them to faith, which is actually a gift from God that trusts in the Savior who has already done the work for sinners. They ask for a sign like Moses gave in the manna, and Jesus teaches them the truth concerning the manna. It was not a gift from Moses, but a gift from God the Father. Now the Father’s gift is Jesus, the One who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes th

Rev. Andrew Belt, pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Marshfield, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 6:1-21. At the time of the Passover, Jesus is near the Sea of Galilee, where He heals many of the sick. Jesus lifts up His eyes to see the harvest field yet again, and He invites His disciples to see the work before them and trust Him to provide. Philip does not yet understand, and Andrew brings a boy with a little food to Jesus, though he too struggles. When Jesus has the people sit down on the grass, the provision of the Good Shepherd for His people comes into focus. He provides food for over five thousand people, but they misunderstand the sign and are ready to make Jesus king by force. Jesus withdraws, and His disciples head across the sea on their own. He comes to them by walking on the sea, bringing them joy at His presence. Still today, the Church has joy and peace to know that Jesus is with us. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according

Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 5:30-47. Jesus continues to defend Himself against the false accusations leveled against Him. Jesus lines up other witnesses who testify to the truth of who He is. John the Baptist spoke truly concerning Jesus; his testimony was not merely from man, for John was sent by God. The Father and the works that the Father gave Jesus to do testify to the truth of Jesus’ identity as the Son of God. Moses and the entire Old Testament serve as witnesses to Jesus. Those who search the Scriptures for life and believe them will go to Jesus, for they testify of Him. Those who believe Moses will believe Jesus, for Moses wrote of Jesus. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry. As we read the Word of God recorded by St. John, the Holy Spirit works in

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 5:19-29. As Jesus begins to answer the objections from the Jewish religious leaders, He emphasizes His unique relationship with His Father. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. The works that the Son is doing are great, but He will show even greater works in His death and resurrection. Because the Father gives life, so the Son also gives life. This happens right now as those who hear and believe Jesus are raised from the death of sin and are given eternal life. This also happens on the Last Day when Jesus calls forth all the dead from their tombs. Those who have done evil, that is, those who are unbelievers, will be raised to condemnation. Those who have done good, that is, those who have trusted in Jesus alone, will be raised to life. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account