Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 17:1-15. Paul and his companions make their way to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue. For three Sabbath days, Paul preaches to them from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ. Some believe, including many leading women. Yet some of the Jews in Thessalonica become jealous. They take some of the rabble to form a mob to attack Paul and Silas. When they cannot find Paul and Silas, the mob settles for Jason, who had welcomed the preachers into his house and now suffers along with them. The brothers in Thessalonica send Paul and Silas along to Berea; the Jews there listen with eagerness and examine the Scriptures to see that Paul’s preaching is true. This duty still belongs to Christian hearers today. Though many believe in Berea, Jews follow from Thessalonica and chase Paul out of Berea as well. “To the End of the Earth” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of A

Rev. Joel Heckmann, pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Okarche, OK, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 16:16-40. In Philippi, Paul and Silas are harassed by a demon-possessed slave girl. When Paul casts the demon out, the girl’s owners are only concerned about their lost income, a reminder of the danger of idolatry toward money. They have Paul and Silas beaten and thrown in prison. Yet the Philippian jail becomes the place of worship and proclamation for Paul and Silas. Their midnight hymns are heard by their fellow prisoners and the jailer. When the Lord’s earthquake sets the prisoners free, the prisoners do not flee and the jailer asks he can be saved. Paul and Silas direct him to faith in Jesus, and the jailer and his entire household are baptized into the Christian faith. Before leaving Philippi, Paul makes uses of his rights as a Roman citizen in order to serve the Christians who will remain in Philippi after he leaves. “To the End of the Earth” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that

Rev. Nate Hill, pastor at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Winchester, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 15:36-16:15. Paul and Barnabas make plans for a second missionary journey together, but they disagree over whether or not John Mark should accompany them. Their disagreement serves to send the Gospel in two directions: Barnabas and Mark go to Cyprus, while Paul takes Silas with him through Syria and Cilicia. In Lystra, they meet a disciple named Timothy. Paul desires to take him along as a fellow worker, and so Paul has Timothy circumcised in order to avoid offense to the Jews. As Paul and his companions continue, they desire to go into Asia Minor, but the Spirit will not allow them. By a vision, He sends them into Europe instead. They make their way to Philippi, where the Lord opens Lydia’s heart to hear the Gospel in faith. “To the End of the Earth” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Acts. In his second volume, St. Luke records all the things that Jesus c

Rev. Mark Squire, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 15:22-35. Having reached concord under the Word of God, the church in Jerusalem sends a letter to the church in Antioch by the hand of Judas called Barsabbas and Silas. The church in Jerusalem writes for the purpose of brotherly encouragement. They honestly acknowledge that the ones who had caused trouble came from their midst, although the troublemakers had no actual authority. Instead, the letter carried by Judas and Silas, along with Paul and Barnabas, contains the true doctrine that gives peace in Christ. The Gentiles do not need to be circumcised to be saved; at the same time, for the sake of love in the Church, Gentile Christians should take care not to offend their Jewish brothers. The letter is received as encouragement in Antioch. Judas and Silas eventually return to Jerusalem while Paul and Barnabas stay in Antioch to continue to teach and preach. “To the End of the Earth” is a

Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee’s Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 15:1-21. When men from Judea come to Syrian Antioch claiming that Gentiles must be circumcised to be saved, Paul and Barnabas know that the heart of the Gospel was at stake. The church in Antioch sends Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem to settle the matter according to the Word of God. After the delegation from Antioch is welcomed by the church in Jerusalem, the apostles and elders meet together to consider the question at hand. Peter is first to speak, reminding the assembly what God had revealed to them Peter’s vision: Gentiles are saved by God’s grace, just as the Jews. Paul and Barnabas then recount God’s work on their recent journey. Finally, James the brother of Jesus reminds the gathering that salvation for the Gentiles by God’s grace is precisely what the prophet Amos had written. James speaks the judgment that the Gentiles should not be troubled by being forced into circumcision,

Rev. Matt Ulmer, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bishop, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 14:8-28. In Lystra, a lame man hears Paul’s preaching in faith; by the power of Jesus Christ, Paul gives the man healing. The crowd in Lystra sees the sign and thinks that Paul is Hermes and Barnabas is Zeus. Though we may see ourselves as beyond such idolatry, we still often give credit to someone or something other than the true God. Paul and Barnabas are at pains to correct the crowd. Although Paul and Barnabas are men, they have come to proclaim the true and living God who has created all things. Before long, however, Jews from Antioch and Iconium come and stone Paul. After they incorrectly assume he is dead, Paul continues on his missionary journey before returning through the towns he had visited previously to strengthen the saints and appoint pastors. Paul and Barnabas finally return to Antioch in Syria, where they give a report of the work God had done through them for the Gentiles. “

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 13:42-14:7. The people respond to Paul’s sermon at the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch by begging him to return and speak again. However, when almost the entire city came the following week, the Jews were filled with jealousy and began to contradict Paul and Barnabas. The apostles’ response was direct; the Jews had judged themselves unworthy of eternal life, so Paul and Barnabas would go to the Gentiles, as the Scripture had said. The Gentiles heard this with joy, for the Lord was at work through His Word to bring sinners to eternal life. Jewish persecution sent Paul and Barnabas on to Iconium, where the response to their preaching was again divided. They remained there for some time, until an attempt to stone them sent them on to Lystra and Derbe. “To the End of the Earth” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Acts. In his second volume, St. Luke records all the thin

Rev. Mark Barz, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 13:13-41. Paul and Barnabas continue on their missionary journey, even as John Mark leaves them to return to Jerusalem. Paul and Barnabas make their way to Antioch in Pisidia, going first to the synagogue. There, they are invited to speak on the texts read for the day, so Paul proclaims Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament. St. Paul emphasizes God’s faithfulness to Israel in bringing them out of slavery, sustaining them through the wilderness, giving them judges, and finally by making David their king. Here Paul turns to the proclamation of Jesus, the Son of David, as the fulfillment of God’s promises. Specifically, God fulfilled His promises through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Paul then proclaims the “for you” of the Gospel: what Jesus has done is for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus has brought freedom from sin that the Law could never bring. “To the End of the Earth” is

Rev. Tim Koch, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Linn, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 12:24-13:12. Despite the persecution against the Church, the Word of God continues to increase and multiply. The Holy Spirit directs the church in Antioch to set apart Barnabas and Saul for a missionary journey. Taking along John Mark, the missionary team starts by heading to Cyprus, Barnabas’ homeland. There they are confronted by a magician and false prophet, Elymas. With strong words, Saul, also called Paul, convicts Elymas of his deceit and villainy, and the Lord strikes Elymas blind for a time. Though the sign is spectacular, it is the teaching of the Lord that astonishes Sergius Paulus, the proconsul, and brings him to faith. “To the End of the Earth” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Acts. In his second volume, St. Luke records all the things that Jesus continued to do through the ministry of His Church. By the end of the book, the proclamation of the Lord’s Word t

Rev. Tim Eden, pastor at Bethel Lutheran Church in Bryan, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 12:1-23. St. Luke turns our attention back to Jerusalem, where Herod Agrippa has discovered that persecuting the Church is politically expedient. He kills James the son of Zebedee and arrests Peter, putting him under heavy guard lest he escape once more. In the face of such hatred and worldly power, the Church prays, knowing that whether Peter lives or dies, he is safe in the Lord. Peter is able to sleep in that peace the night before his execution has been set. Yet the Lord is not ready for Peter to be martyred. God answers the prayers of the Churchby sending His angel to wake Peter and bring him unharmed out of Herod’s prison, leading to amazement in the Church there in Jerusalem. The Lord does not allow Herod’s wickedness to go without justice. When Herod receives praise that belongs only to God, an angel strikes the king dead and worms eat his body. This serves as a warning to those who oppose the

Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 11:19-30. The Church continues to scatter after Stephen’s martyrdom, taking the Word with them. Many Jews heard the Word, even as the Lord began to open more doors for the Gospel to be proclaimed in Gentile contexts, particularly in Antioch in Syria. When the church in Jerusalem hears this news, they send Barnabas to Antioch. He lives up to his name and encourages them to remain faithful to the Lord. As the church there grows, Barnabas goes to get Saul from Tarsus to help in the work of teaching in Antioch, where the disciples were first called Christians. A prophet named Agabus is given a Word from the Spirit that a famine is coming, leading to a relief offering being gathered and sent to Jerusalem. “To the End of the Earth” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Acts. In his second volume, St. Luke records all the things that Jesus continued to do through the ministry of Hi

Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 11:1-18. News concerning what happened at Cornelius’ house quickly makes its way around the Church. When Peter returns to Jerusalem, some oppose him because when he took the Word to the Gentiles, he stayed with them and ate with them. The fact that St. Luke records Peter’s recounting of the event indicates its great importance; when the Lord repeats something in His Word, we ought to pay attention. Peter’s vision revealed not only that all food was clean, but even moreso, that people are made clean through the blood of Jesus. Cornelius was told to send for Peter because Peter would preach a message that would bring salvation. Peter concludes his defense by making the point that all of this was not man-made, but God’s own idea, revealed by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Everyone who heard Peter was brought to the truth and glorified God for giving repentance to the Gentiles. “To the End of

Rev. David Boisclair, pastor at Bethesda and Faith Lutheran Churches in north St. Louis County, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 10:34-48. Led by the Holy Spirit, Peter proclaims the good news to Cornelius and his household. Peter preaches the good news that people are not made acceptable to God by their nationality, but only on account of Christ Jesus, who is Lord of all, Jews and Gentiles alike. God made this plain in Jesus’ ministry that Peter and the apostles witnessed, beginning with Jesus’ Baptism through His crucifixion and resurrection. Peter and the apostles are therefore proclaiming the good news that Jesus gave them, namely, that everyone who believes in Jesus receives forgiveness in His name. The Holy Spirit fell upon Cornelius and those who heard the word Peter preached. This repetition of what happened at Pentecost showed that God Himself had welcomed these Gentiles into His Church, and so Peter was quick to give them God’s gift in Holy Baptism. “To the End of the Earth” i

Rev. Doug Griebenaw, mission advocate for KFUO Radio in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 10:17-33. While Peter remains perplexed about his heavenly vision, the messengers from Cornelius arrive. The Spirit leaves no doubt that Peter should go with these men, taking away any hesitation Peter might still have about associating with Gentiles. When Peter arrives at Cornelius’ house, the Roman centurion has gathered an entire congregation to hear the good news Peter has come to proclaim. Peter’s initial word to those gathered there shows that he has already recognized the truth that God has shown him in the vision: holiness before God is not found in any distinction between Jew and Gentile, but only in faith in Christ. Cornelius reveals to Peter why he has sent for the apostle to come, and he and his family and friends eagerly await the good news Peter has been commanded to preach. “To the End of the Earth” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Acts. In his

Rev. Jeff Hemmer, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, IL and assistant to the President of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 10:1-16. St. Luke introduces into the narrative Cornelius, a Roman centurion. Though Cornelius has faith in the God of Israel, he is nonetheless an uncircumcised Gentile. The Lord sends His angel to Cornelius in order to direct him to send for Simon Peter in Joppa. Cornelius listens in faith and sends for Peter immediately. Meanwhile, in Joppa, Peter is staying with Simon the tanner. About noon, Peter receives a vision while he is on the housetop praying. The Lord shows Peter a sheet full of unclean animals and commands Peter to rise, kill, and eat. When Peter objects at what seems to him a breaking of God’s Law, the Lord responds, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” Through this vision, the Lord prepares Peter to proclaim to Cornelius and his household the good news of Jesus Christ to bring cleansing from un

Rev. Andrew Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Haven, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 9:32-43. Having related Saul’s conversion to Christianity, St. Luke now turns our attention once again to the Lord’s work through Peter, particularly as He prepares His apostle for what is about to happen in the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles. Peter goes about the apostolic ministry by visiting established congregations in Lydda and Joppa. The work of strengthening the saints is important for the life of the Church. In Lydda, Peter meets a paralyzed man named Aeneas, whom Jesus heals. The repetition of the sign that Jesus did in the Gospels and that Peter did in Acts 3 connects to the eternal healing that comes through the forgiveness of sins. Meanwhile, in Joppa, Dorcas, a beloved saint who was full of good works in the love of the Lord, died. The mourning of the church there moved them to send for Peter and the comfort of the Gospel that he would surely bring. Peter prays to the Lord,

Rev. Dr. Jeff Dukeman, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Gulfport, MS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 9:20-31. Saul’s conversion has immediate effect. The one who had come to Damascus breathing threats against Jesus’ disciples now begins to proclaim that Jesus is the Son of God. Those who hear him are understandably confused, yet Saul continues to increase in wisdom as he proves from the Scripture that Jesus is the Christ. Saul’s proclamation of Jesus quickly earns him the same persecution he once sought to deliver, so he must escape Damascus by night. He eventually goes to Jerusalem, where the disciples are also still afraid. Barnabas lives up to his name, “son of encouragement,” when he vouches for Saul to the apostles. Yet still in Jerusalem, Saul’s faith earns him death threats, and so he is sent to Tarsus for a time. Meanwhile, God continues to build His Church in peace, in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. “To the End of the Earth” is a mini-series

Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 9:1-19. Saul’s hatred for Christians had only grown since Stephen’s death. He was on his way to Damascus with official authority to imprison more Christians when the Lord Jesus Himself stopped Saul in his tracks. Jesus revealed Himself in blinding light to Saul as the One whom Saul had been persecuting. By this, Jesus preached the condemning Law to Saul, who had to be led into Damascus due to his blindness. The Gospel would be proclaimed by a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord gives great honor to the ministry He established by making use of His preachers. Jesus assured Ananias that Saul would bring His name before all nations. Ananias heard the Lord’s command in faith and went to Saul as a brother. He pronounced absolution upon Saul and laid his hands on the blind man so that his sight was restored. Saul was promptly baptized as his welcome into the family of God. “To the End of

Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 8:26-40. The Lord continues to direct the growth of His Word as He sends His angel to instruct Philip to go to the road from Jerusalem to Gaza. There Philip sees an Ethiopian eunuch; he was a Gentile who had been brought to faith in the God of Israel through Judean refugees. As a rich official of the queen, he is reading from the scroll of Isaiah when the Spirit sends Philip to him. The Ethiopian eunuch asks Philip to guide him in the proper interpretation of the text from Isaiah 53, and Philip begins from that text to proclaim the good news about Jesus. Philip’s teaching includes the centrality of Baptism, leading the Ethiopian eunuch to request the gift upon the sight of water. Philip quickly agrees, and the Ethiopian eunuch is incorporated into the family of God. After the Spirit whisks Philip away to continue the proclamation of the Gospel elsewhere, the Ethiopian eunuch continues on his way

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 Acts 8:4-25. The Lord uses the persecution of His Church in order to cause His Word to spread farther from Jerusalem. St. Luke follows the growth of the Word as it is proclaimed by Philip the deacon. He goes to Samaria; despite the tensions between Jews and Samaritans, the Word is received with faith and joy there. Previously, Simon had captivated the people by his signs and wonders, but the Word of God is more powerful than any demonic forces. Even Simon believes the Word preached by Philip. When Peter and John come to Samaria, they lay hands on the believers there so that the Holy Spirit falls on them as a public confirmation of the gift that has already been given. Simon’s wicked desire to buy this gift is quickly rebuked by Peter. God’s gifts are not for sale; rather, He gives them freely by His grace as His gospel continues to be pr