Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. James Yonkers, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Danville, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 5:1-18. When Jesus travels up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish feasts, He goes to the pool of Bethesda. There were many who were disabled at the pool, hoping to be the first one into the water after it was stirred. When Jesus engages a man who has been unable to walk for thirty-eight years, the man seems to think that perhaps Jesus will help him into the water. Jesus redirects his attention from the water to Himself when He commands the man to get up, take his bed, and walk. The man does, but the Jewish leaders are more interested in why the man is carrying his bed on the Sabbath than in finding out how he was healed. As they begin to investigate Jesus, they think that He is breaking the Sabbath and consider His claims about God to be blasphemy, and so they desire to kill Him, even as He begins to teach them the truth. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through

Rev. Tim Koch, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Linn, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 4:43-54. When Jesus travels again to Cana in Galilee, an official from Capernaum makes the journey to see Jesus. He implores Jesus to come down to Capernaum and heal his son who was at the point of death. Jesus rebukes the attitude espoused by the man and the other Galileans who would not believe unless they could see a sign. The official reiterates the request that Jesus would come to Capernaum; if Jesus can only see his son, then surely Jesus will heal him. Instead, Jesus believes the official’s word and tells him that his son will live. The official takes Jesus’ word home in faith, and Jesus’ word is effective. The official discovers that his son has been made well at precisely the moment Jesus spoke. This second sign from Jesus encourages us to trust His Word even without sight. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom

Rev. William Terjesen, pastor at the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Peekskill, NY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 4:27-42. After the Samaritan woman at the well speaks with Jesus, she goes back to the town to tell the people about Him, and they start to come out to meet Him. Meanwhile, Jesus instructs His disciples concerning His work of accomplishing His Father’s will. He sees the crowd of Samaritans coming toward Him as a field that is ready for the harvest and calls His disciples to join Him in the work. The Samaritans of the town ask Jesus to stay with them longer, and from their conversations with Him, they learn the same thing that the woman had told them: Jesus is the Savior of the world. “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 mig

Rev. Lucas Witt, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Baltimore, MD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 4:1-26. Most Israelites of Jesus’ day would have traveled around Samaria. However, St. John tells us that Jesus had to pass through there in order to show us that Jesus wanted to reveal Himself to the woman at the well. Through this unlikely encounter, Jesus reveals that He has true living water for the gift of eternal life of those who believe. As she listens to Jesus, the woman begins to realize that she is speaking to a prophet and asks about the true worship of God. Jesus says that true worship happens in Spirit and truth, that is, through faith in the Word that He preaches. When the woman asks Jesus about the Christ, Jesus says plainly: “I who speak to you am he.” “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 o

Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church and School in Terra Bella, CA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 3:22-36. The ministry of John the Baptist has not ended even after Jesus’ public ministry begins. Yet John is not interested in any sort of competition between him and Jesus. Instead, John’s ministry continues in the joy to point people to Jesus as the Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. John knows that he must decrease, and Jesus must increase. Those who listen to John and believe in Jesus as the Son of God are given eternal life. God grant John’s same attitude to all pastors and Christians still today. “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 hav

Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 3:1-21. The people of Israel who begin to take notice of Jesus include those in the higher parts of society. Nicodemus, one of the rulers of the Jews, comes to Jesus by night seeking His teaching. When Jesus speaks to Nicodemus about another birth, Nicodemus misunderstands. Jesus tells Nicodemus that this second birth comes from above, worked by God through the water and Spirit. Nicodemus’ confusion intensifies, and although Jesus wonders how a teacher of Israel doesn’t understand, He continues to teach. Jesus says that He will be lifted up to give those who believe in Him eternal life; this is the way God loves the world. “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 Hol

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 2:12-15. Jesus goes down to Capernaum for a few days before going up to Jerusalem for the Passover. When Jesus enters the temple, He sees that the buying and selling has overtaken the temple’s true purpose to be the place where sacrifices were offered on behalf of the people’s sins. In righteous anger, He makes a whip and drives out those who have profaned His Father’s house. When this earns Him the ire of the people, He speaks to them about the coming sign of His own death and resurrection. Jesus proclaims that He is the true temple in whom God dwells among His people. “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 Chr

Rev. Dr. Scott Murray, pastor at Memorial Lutheran Church in Houston, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 2:1-11. St. John has been giving a timeline during the first part of his Gospel that now places us on the sixth day. As God created the gift of marriage on the sixth day of creation, now Jesus is at a wedding on this sixth day to show forth the new creation in Him. The interaction between Jesus and His mother shows us Jesus’ focus on going to His hour of death and resurrection and the faithfulness of Mary as she trusts in Him. By making use of stone water jars normally used for purification, Jesus shows that He has come to bring true purity and holiness. The master of the feast preaches a sermon about Jesus unknowingly, for Jesus is the best of God’s gifts here for us right now. St. John tells us that this is the first of Jesus’ signs, intended to show who Jesus is for us and our salvation. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St.

Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 1:43-51. Jesus continues to call disciples to Himself in Galilee; He takes the initiative. He speaks His authoritative word to Philip: “Follow Me!” The Word calls Philip to faith, and Philip goes to tell Nathanael that Jesus of Nazareth is the One promised by the Law and the Prophets. Nathanael is unimpressed by Jesus’ hometown, yet Philip is unfazed; he invites Nathanael to come and see Jesus. Jesus actually sees Nathanael first. He speaks things of Nathanael that He could not have known apart from divine knowledge, bringing Nathanael to make a fantastic confession that Jesus is the Son of God and King of Israel. Yet Jesus promises even greater things to come; in Him, heaven is opened to all who believe. “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

Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 1:35-42. After John identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God a second time, two of his disciples follow Jesus. Jesus’ initial question to them is one that all who come to Jesus do well to consider: “What are you seeking?” They call Him “Rabbi,” and Jesus certainly is the true Teacher, though the Gospel will reveal He is also far more than that. These two disciples remain with Jesus; this introduces the importance for all of Jesus’ disciples to remain with Him in His Word. One of the two, Andrew, goes to find his brother Simon to tell him that Jesus is the Christ. Still today, Christians are quick to share the news of Jesus with family and friends. “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. Joh

Rev. Isaac Schuller, pastor at First Immanuel Lutheran Church in San Jose, CA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 1:19-34. St. John the Evangelist begins his account of the action with St. John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Christ. Although John is peppered with questions about himself, he is far more concerned with giving answers about Jesus, the One who follows him. When John sees coming toward him, he identifies Jesus as the One who will sacrifice himself on behalf of the sins of all people. John knows who Jesus is because God revealed Jesus to John at His baptism. This gives John the confidence to proclaim Jesus’ identity to all: Jesus is the Son 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

Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, associate pastor and headmaster at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 1:6-18. St. John’s prologue continues to introduce themes that are present throughout his Gospel account. Although John the Baptist is not the true light, he comes as a reliable witness to Jesus, who is the true light who comes into the world. The world did not know Him, although He made the world. Even His own people, the Israelites, did not recognize Him. Yet Jesus still came as the Son of God to make sinners into God’s children, not by their own efforts, but by His own blood. He has that blood because He is the Word made flesh; Jesus is the true tabernacle where God dwells among His people bodily. He brings us grace upon grace so that when we see Him, we truly see 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’ l

Rev. Dr. William Weinrich, professor of historical theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 1:1-5. The first five verses of the Gospel according to St. John set the stage for the entire book. Jesus is proclaimed as the Word; He is God, and He truly reveals God to us. He is responsible for the creation and existence of all things; He brings light and life that no darkness can overcome. As he writes his account of Christ’s life and ministry, John calls himself “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” for there is no greater blessing for any of us than to be one beloved by the Lord. “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

“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. 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 Lutheran Service Book #357, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” This beloved hymn is based on seven ancient “O” antiphons that were used during the last days of the season of Advent leading up to Christmas. The hymn uses the last of these antiphons for the first stanza, focusing our attention on the fact that Jesus comes to us as Emmanuel. He is our hope and joy to set us free from our captivity to sin. Jesus comes as the true Wisdom who orders creation. Jesus comes as the Lord over all who speaks His holy Law. Jesus comes as the King from the stump of Jesse who frees us from the devil’s domain of darkness. Jesus comes as the Key of David who opens the way to eternal life. Jesus comes as the Morning Star who dispels all the darkness of death. Jesus comes as the Desire of all nations who sets all things right in creation. For all this, we sin

Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Lutheran Service Book #356, “The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came.” This Basque hymn is a poetic retelling of the Annunciation of Our Lord and the Visitation. When the mighty angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, he greeted her as one highly favored by the Lord. God was showing His free grace to Mary in making her the mother of God. Her child, Jesus, is Emmanuel: God with us. Mary received this Word of God in faith, and while visiting her relative Elizabeth, praised God for His mercy in the words of the Magnificat. Because of the role God gave Mary in salvation history, Christians throughout the ages have considered her blessed, and we continue to praise God for what He has done through Mary’s Son, Jesus. “The Hymns of Advent'' is a series on Sharper Iron that looks at a variety of the hymns found in the Advent section Lutheran Service Book. The season of Advent prepares us for Chris

Rev. Andrew Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Haven, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Lutheran Service Book #355, “O Savior, Rend the Heavens Wide.” This Advent hymn by Friedrich von Spee begins by looking forward to the Last Day, as we ask our Savior to come down with great might and take us to our eternal home. As God refreshes His creation, so He sends Jesus as the true King, for He is the shoot from the stump of Jesse. Knowing that Jesus is our hope, we pray for Him to come quickly with His comfort. As the Morning Star, He shines His light into the darkness of our sin. We know that He will come to lead us out of the doom of sin and death and into His eternal Promised Land, where we will praise Him forever. “The Hymns of Advent'' is a series on Sharper Iron that looks at a variety of the hymns found in the Advent section Lutheran Service Book. The season of Advent prepares us for Christ’s coming. The hymns of Advent teach that this is more than getting ready for Christmas; t

Rev. Daniel Golden, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Parkersburg, WV, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Lutheran Service Book #352, “Let the Earth Now Praise the Lord.” This hymn by Heinrich Held helps us to rejoice in the faithfulness of God to His Word. All creation and all people should praise God for sending Christ as the help and friend of sinners. Jesus is the fulfillment of what the saints of old longed to receive. The promises made to Abraham, Zion, and Jacob have been truly kept in Christ, who is fully God and fully man. He came in peace and gentleness, and so we pray for the same mind to dwell in us now. He must be the One to beat back the attacks of the devil now and keep us in faith so that we will welcome Him joyfully on the Last Day. “The Hymns of Advent'' is a series on Sharper Iron that looks at a variety of the hymns found in the Advent section Lutheran Service Book. The season of Advent prepares us for Christ’s coming. The hymns of Advent teach that this is more than gettin

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 Lutheran Service Book #351, “Creator of the Stars of Night.” This Advent hymn was originally written in Latin over one thousand years ago. It takes us through the entire story of God’s work for us. He is the Creator of all things who is our everlasting light. We rebelled against Him, yet even then His desire remained to heal us from the infection of sin by sending Christ. Jesus came as the Bridegroom of His CHurch, true God and true man whose perfect sacrifice has won our forgiveness. Now ascended, He rules over all things in heaven and on earth. All knees will bow at His name on the Last Day, and so we pray that He would keep us from the devil’s attacks until that Day, when we will sing the praises of the Triune God forever. “The Hymns of Advent'' is a series on Sharper Iron that looks at a variety of the hymns found in the Advent section Lutheran Se

Rev. Shawn Linnell, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blair, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Lutheran Service Book #350, “Come, Thou Precious Ransom, Come.” This hymn by Johann Gottfried Olearius prays to Christ as our ransom, the One who has paid the price to deliver us from sin. Apart from Him, we have no hope. Although we are certainly not worthy of Him, we ask that He would come to us as our King and as our true treasure. We greet Him with songs of “Hosanna” in faith that He will give to us by His grace all that He has merited for us. As we pray that He would hear us, we ask that His kingdom would bring us blessing forever. “The Hymns of Advent'' is a series on Sharper Iron that looks at a variety of the hymns found in the Advent section Lutheran Service Book. The season of Advent prepares us for Christ’s coming. The hymns of Advent teach that this is more than getting ready for Christmas; the Word of the Lord sung in hymnody helps us to receive Christ as He comes to us now in the me