Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Dr. Rick Marrs, professor of practical theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Philippians 4:4-7. St. Paul’s joy comes through loud and clear even from prison as he draws his epistle to the Philippians to a close. The joy of the Christian is more than inward happiness that fades with sadness. The joy of the Christian comes from the outside and is found in the Lord, so that even during times of suffering, grief, and complaint, Christian joy remains. This joy shows forth in gentle reasonableness that does not lash out at others, but seeks to respond to others according to the mind of Christ. His coming is near; therefore, our anxiousness is relieved as we take all our prayers to Him in thanksgiving. The peace that He gives us with God is beyond all understanding; by this peace He guards us our entire beings from every enemy that threatens us. “Advent with the Apostles” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Epistle readings for the season o

Rev. Sam Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Churches in Ossian, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24. St. Paul concludes his first epistle to the Christians in Thessalonica with short yet powerful imperatives. Christians rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances because God is accomplishing His will for them in Christ Jesus. The Spirit is at work among them through the Word, which they must not despise. Rather, they hold fast to the good things from the Word of God and abstain from all that is contrary to it. God Himself will accomplish this for them; He is the One who makes his people wholly holy. There is no doubt that He will accomplish this in totality at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. “Advent with the Apostles” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Epistle readings for the season of Advent. This holy season of repentance and joy focuses on the coming of Christ. As the apostles write to us concerning Christian doctr

Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Churches in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study James 5:7-11. St. James begins and ends his epistle emphasizing patience. The Christian is to be patient for the Lord’s coming as the farmer is patient for the harvest. Just as the harvest will surely come, so will the Lord surely come. In fact, His coming is at hand even now. For this reason, Christians ought not grumble against each other, for the Judge over all is nearby. Instead, Christian are sustained to suffer in the midst of their patience by the example of the prophets; as they were blessed in the Lord, so are we. Job’s steadfastness is also an encouragement to Christians and a reminder of the Lord’s compassion and mercy to His people. “Advent with the Apostles” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Epistle readings for the season of Advent. This holy season of repentance and joy focuses on the coming of Christ. As the apostles write to us concerning Christian doctrine and

Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Churches in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Philippians 1:2-11. Although St. Paul wrote this epistle from prison, he overflows with joy. He begins with the grace and peace that are given by God to the Christians in Philippi. His thanksgiving overflows in all things for this congregation that has partnered with him in the gospel. He knows that God will begin to completion the good work He began in them as they wait for Jesus Christ’s Day. As they wait for that day, St. Paul prays that their love would grow and that they be kept safe in the true Christian faith until Jesus returns, all to the glory and praise of God. “Advent with the Apostles” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Epistle readings for the season of Advent. This holy season of repentance and joy focuses on the coming of Christ. As the apostles write to us concerning Christian doctrine and life in light of what Christ has done in His first coming in the flesh, t

Rev. David Boisclair, pastor at Bethesda and Faith Lutheran Churches in north St. Louis County, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Peter 3:8-14. In the face of those who doubted Christ’s return because of His apparent delay, St. Peter confidently declares that the Lord is not bound by our conception of time. We should not count the days until Christ’s return as His slowness, but rather recognize His desire to bring more sinners to repentance. The salvation of all in Christ Jesus is His earnest desire and will. Yet the day of the Lord will come suddenly and unexpectedly, when the Lord will bring forth His new creation. This compels us to lives of holiness and godliness right now, as we long for the day of Christ’s return and pray that His kingdom would come quickly. “Advent with the Apostles” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Epistle readings for the season of Advent. This holy season of repentance and joy focuses on the coming of Christ. As the apostles write to us concerning

Rev. Tim Koch, pastor at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank, SD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Romans 15:4-13. God has provided Scripture for our instruction. Through His written Word, He gives the endurance, encouragement, and hope that can come only from Him. This unites the strong and the weak, the Jew and the Gentile, to live together in Christ. St. Paul establishes this truth from the Scripture given for our encouragement. He cites four different authors who show that God has kept His promise to call all nations to Himself in Christ Jesus. St. Paul closes the text with a blessing that focuses us once again on hope, which is not wishful thinking, but the confident expectation that God will fulfill all His promises in Christ Jesus. “Advent with the Apostles” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Epistle readings for the season of Advent. This holy season of repentance and joy focuses on the coming of Christ. As the apostles write to us concerning Christian doctrine and life in l

Rev. Tim Eden, pastor at Bethel Lutheran Church in Bryan, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13. St. Paul’s time in Thessalonica had been cut abruptly short due to persecution, leading to his concern for the faith of the fledgling congregation. That’s why his thanksgiving and joy overflow upon the good report he receives from Timothy. St. Paul’s prayers had been answered; the congregation had remained faithful. Now he continues to pray for an opportunity to be with them face-to-face again and continue instructing them in the truth of the Christian faith. His prayer for his own travels is coupled with his prayer for the Thessalonians, that the Triune God would continue to increase their love and establish them in holiness as they await the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. “Advent with the Apostles” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Epistle readings for the season of Advent. This holy season of repentance and joy focuses on the coming of Christ. As the apostle

Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor at Peace Lutheran Church in Finlayson, MN and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bruno, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Corinthians 1:3-9. St. Paul sets the tone for his first letter to the Christian church at Corinth by centering them in the Lord Jesus Christ. He blesses them with the grace and peace that come from God alone. Although this congregation has its problems, St. Paul gives thanks for all that the grace of God has accomplished there. By the preaching of the Gospel of Christ’s coming in the flesh, they have not lacked in any gift of God’s grace. This prepares them for the revealing of the Lord Jesus Christ on the Last Day. His faithfulness will sustain them to that Day as they share in fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ and so with all other Christians. This is true for Christians still today as we wait for the final advent of our Lord. “Advent with the Apostles” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Epistle readings for the season of Advent.

Rev. James Yonkers, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Danville, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Romans 13:8-14. The season of Advent is a time of waiting, repentance, and faith. As we prepare to celebrate the first coming of Christ at Christmas, we also prepare to receive Him when He comes again in glory on the Last Day. St. Paul encourages us to do precisely that in the text from Romans 13. Having already expounded at length that sinners are saved by God’s grace alone, St. Paul is now in his section of this epistle in which he instructs Christians what life under God’s grace looks like now. The word “love” summarizes his answer. The love that Christians owe others is shaped by God’s Law, so that Christians strive after what is helpful rather than harmful to our neighbor. We do this with urgency, because we know that the time is at hand. Christ has come and won salvation, and He is coming again soon. Why would we walk in the darkness of evil when we have seen His glorious light? He has clothed

“Advent with the Apostles” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Epistle readings for the season of Advent. This holy season of repentance and joy focuses on the coming of Christ. As the apostles write to us concerning Christian doctrine and life in light of what Christ has done in His first coming in the flesh, they strengthen us to live and wait in hope for His second coming in glory on the Last Day. 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. Dr. Adam Filipek, pastor at Holy Cross and Immanuel Lutheran Churches in Lidgerwood, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Ezekiel 48:1-35. Ezekiel’s vision comes to a grand conclusion. He hears the division of the land according to the tribes. Unlike the division of the land under Joshua, the LORD here divides the land equally, a picture of the equal share of grace God gives to all His people. The LORD also reunites His divided people as He brings them back together to dwell safely in the land. The LORD’s allotment of land for Himself is in the midst of His people, along with the land for the prince. He serves to unite all God’s people, a promise fulfilled by Jesus, who draws all people to Himself by His death on the cross. All of this culminates in the holy city, which bears the name, “The LORD Is There.” The LORD will not forsake His exiles; He will dwell among them. This is what He has done for us now in Jesus, even as we await the fulness of this promise in eternity, seen by St. John in Revela

Rev. Jason M. Kaspar, pastor at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in La Grange, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Ezekiel 47:1-23. Ezekiel sees a river flow from the new temple. Although no tributaries join this river, it grows from a trickle into the mightiest of rivers. Because it flows from the presence of God, this river provides life all around. The saltiness of the Dead Sea is made fresh. Multitudes of fish find a home there. All kinds of trees bear all kinds of fruit for food, and their leaves give healing. The vision Ezekiel sees is fulfilled in Jesus, who is the true temple of God who gives water of eternal life in Holy Baptism. St. John sees the fullness of this vision at the end of Revelation. Ezekiel also sees the boundaries of the Promised Land. The LORD will make His people dwell securely here, and He also provides inclusion for sojourners to be made a part of His people. This is a picture of the LORD’s desire to bring salvation through Jesus Christ to all nations. “The Faithful Watchman”

Rev. Sam Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, IN joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Luke 17:11-19. Samaria was not a place where many Jews of Jesus’ day ventured, but that is exactly the route Jesus took to Jerusalem and His cross. There Jesus encountered ten lepers. These men not only suffered greatly physically from this terrible illness. Even more than that, they were separated from their community and worship life through the ceremonial uncleanness they endured. This served as a picture of the sin that infects all people. That’s why these ten lepers cry out to Jesus for mercy, His grace and compassion that alone can heal and save. Jesus sends them to show themselves to the priest, and as they go, His Word effects healing. One recognizes what has happened and believes. He returns to Jesus as the true Temple, the place where God dwells in human flesh. He returns to Jesus as the true Priest, the one who makes the final sacrifice for sin. He praises God by giving praise and thanks to Je

Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cullman, AL joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Philippians 4:6-20. The church at Philippi had seen the Apostle Paul go through highs and lows during his ministry. As he writes his letter to them from prison, he proclaims to them the joy that remains theirs in Christ regardless of their circumstances. Because the LORD’s return is near, Christians live differently in the world. We are freed from anxiousness and worry through the comfort that is ours in Christ. Prayer and supplication flows from our lips to our Father’s throne of grace. His peace, given through the death and resurrection of Jesus, is our true guard from all evil. For that reason, our minds are occupied with all the good that He gives, as the Apostle learned and modeled from the Lord. Paul’s joy continues to abound through the gift that the Philippians sent. He had learned to be content in every circumstance, whether full or hungry, whether he had plenty or he had need, for Christ wa

Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Ezekiel 46:1-24. Ezekiel continues to see the worship life of the new temple. The prince bears an important responsibility in the regular services of the temple; he represents the people before the LORD. In this way, the prince prefigures the work of Jesus Christ, who is a mediator for us before the throne of God. The differences between Ezekiel’s vision and the regulations of the Torah are a reminder that this text, and the entire Old Testament, is looking forward to its fulfillment in Christ. The instructions concerning the prince’s inheritance recall the jubilee regulations from Leviticus 25 and strengthen God’s promise that His people will no longer be scattered. The presence of the temple kitchens is a reminder that God desires to eat with His people, a reality that is fulfilled in the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ and the ongoing celebration of His Holy Supper. “The Faithful Watchman” is a

Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Ezekiel 45:1-25. Ezekiel begins to see how the land will be divided and set apart. The LORD has an inheritance among His people in order that He might dwell among them and His holiness be accessed to His people’s blessing. The priests’ land is closest to the LORD; this foreshadows the way that God makes His Christians co-heirs with Christ. Ezekiel continues to see the role of the prince; he leads the people in true worship of the LORD, which in turn leads to their righteous dealings with each other. The new temple that Ezekiel sees will not be an empty museum, but the feasts of the LORD will be kept as His way of coming to bless His people with His name. “The Faithful Watchman” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Ezekiel. Just when Ezekiel should have begun his service as priest in the temple in Jerusalem, the LORD called him to be a prophet in exile in Babylon. Through

Rev. Andrew Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Haven, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Ezekiel 44:1-31. For the first time in his vision of the new temple, Ezekiel hears of the role of the prince. He is granted special access to sit and eat before the LORD. Even though the prince has a royal title, his main responsibilities revolve around the worship of God’s people. His duties point forward to Jesus, in whom the offices of King and Priest are combined and fulfilled. Ezekiel then sees who cannot enter the temple. Those uncircumcised in heart and flesh, that is, those who are unbelievers, cannot enter. Ezekiel also sees the roles for unfaithful and faithful Levites. The unfaithful Levites still had priestly duties, fulfilled in Caiaphas’ unwitting prophecy concerning Jesus. The faithful Levites were the sons of Zadok. Their keeping of certain purity laws pointed forward to Christ as the One who makes sinners holy and clean. “The Faithful Watchman” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that

Rev. Ned Moerbe, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blackwell, OK, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Ezekiel 43:1-27. Ezekiel reaches a key moment in his vision of the new temple. Previously, Ezekiel had seen the glory of the LORD leave the temple in Jerusalem, but now he sees the glory of the LORD fill the new temple. This hearkened back to the LORD’s presence in the cloud that filled the tabernacle and temple; it also points forward to the way God’s presence came to dwell among us in the incarnation of the Son. Ezekiel sees that this will be a time when the people will no longer defile the name of the LORD; we pray for this now in the Lord’s Prayer even as we await its complete fulfillment in eternity. Ezekiel’s description of the altar in the temple points forward to the final sacrifice for sins that Christ made for sinners on the cross. “The Faithful Watchman” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Ezekiel. Just when Ezekiel should have begun his service as priest in the

Rev. Hans Fiene, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Crestwood, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Ezekiel 42:1-20. Ezekiel’s vision of the new temple continues into other rooms and chambers of the temple complex. Although the measurements given were never intended to be used to construct this temple, the fact that the LORD provides them shows the reality of the LORD’s promise and the deliberateness of His intention to fulfill His Word. The clear distinction between the holy and the common in this temple is a reminder that the LORD’s bare holiness is unapproachable by sinners. Yet in His mercy, God provides access to His holiness to benefit sinners through His Son, Jesus Christ. “The Faithful Watchman” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Ezekiel. Just when Ezekiel should have begun his service as priest in the temple in Jerusalem, the LORD called him to be a prophet in exile in Babylon. Through fantastic visions and attention-grabbing action prophecies, the proph

Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller, pastor at St. Paul and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Churches in Austin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Ezekiel 41:1-26. Ezekiel’s vision of the new temple continues into the temple itself, the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. Though some of the details can be difficult to ascertain, the main promise is certain. To exiles living in Babylon, the LORD gives His assurance that He can get to where His people are. The descriptions of cherubim and palm trees adorning this temple hearken back to the Garden of Eden; the LORD brings His people back to Himself and dwells with them as their God in the person and work of Jesus Christ. “The Faithful Watchman” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Ezekiel. Just when Ezekiel should have begun his service as priest in the temple in Jerusalem, the LORD called him to be a prophet in exile in Babylon. Through fantastic visions and attention-grabbing action prophecies, the prophet Ezekiel is a faithful watchman who proclai