Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Sean Daenzer, director of worship for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and chaplain for the International Center, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to answer listener email concerning the synoptic Gospels and to study Mark 7:24-30. As Jesus enters again into Gentile territory, His trip takes Him to the particularly notorious area of Tyre and Sidon. This home of the wicked Queen Jezebel is certainly not the place a pious Jew would be expected to travel, but Jesus enters a home there. Though He attempts to remain incognito, a Syrophoencian woman recognizes Jesus and begs Him to cast a demon out of her daughter. Jesus’ response is matter-of-fact and borders on insulting as He speaks of the Gentiles as dogs. Jesus clearly lays out that the children of Israel are those to whom the promises have been given first. The woman seizes on this in faith, for she knows that the God of Israel has crumbs for the Gentiles. Jesus’ crumb proves more than sufficient as He heals the woman’s daughter with His powerful Word. “

Rev. Kyle Mietzner, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Anchorage, AK, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 7:14-23. Jesus takes the religious leaders’ challenge about unwashed hands as an opportunity to teach about true defilement and true cleanliness. Defilement does not come from without but from within a person. When His disciples fail to grasp the truth, Jesus chastises their lack of understanding and explains to them further. Food only goes into the body and then out of the body. Those things that come out of a person’s heart, however, are what bring defilement. Jesus’ description of defilement vividly pictures just how disgusting sin and evil truly are. There is no room for blaming another; each individual is responsible for his own sin. How can such defilement be cleansed? Jesus is the Holy One whose Word and touch brings forgiveness, holiness, and cleansing from sin. “The Gospel in Action” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. Mark. The Evangelist hits

Rev. Tim Storck, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Chesterfield Township, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 7:1-13. The Pharisees and scribes ignore the wondrous miracles of Jesus and confront Him again for the practices of His disciples. Jesus’ disciples did not ritually wash their hands in the manner prescribed by the oral tradition that the Pharisees and Jews regarded as coming from God. Jesus’ rebuke of these religious leaders is sharp. He calls them hypocrites because the seemingly pious outward testimony of their lips and hands does not match their faithless hearts. Jesus differentiates between their traditions and the Word of God. They have elevated their traditions so high that they have replaced the Word of God. This is a constant temptation for Christians throughout history. The Word of God must always remain central; any man-made traditions must be kept in their proper place in serving the handing down of the Word of God. “The Gospel in Action” is a mini-series on Sharper I

Rev. Caleb Adams, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bend, OR, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 6:45-56. Jesus has not forgotten the rest that His disciples need. After feeding the large crowd, Jesus sends His disciples before Him to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. He remains alone to pray concerning His Father’s will for the salvation of sinners. By now it is late, and the disciples have everything but rest as the wind works against their trip across the sea. Jesus sees them and comes to them by walking on water. Such a matter of fact statement shows Jesus as the LORD, the One who created and controls the waters. By passing by His disciples, He intends to reveal Himself to them as He once revealed Himself to Moses and Elijah. The disciples miss it and react in fear, thinking Jesus is a ghost. He speaks His Word to reveal the truth yet again, promising these men they have nothing to fear. Yet they again miss it; their hearts do not yet believe the truth. When they arrive at their destinati

Rev. Chris Hull, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Tomball, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 6:30-44. The apostles had gone out to teach and act with Jesus’ authority. Having handed out the Lord’s gifts, they return to Jesus in need of Him to give to them yet again. He calls them away to a desolate place for that purpose, but the crowds continue to hunger and thirst for Jesus’ gifts as well. When they beat Jesus to the place He was going, the Lord does not react with anger or annoyance. His heart is moved to mercy for these sheep who need Him as their true Shepherd. He fills their souls with His teaching, and then He fills their bodies with food. He accomplishes this through His apostles. Though they do not understand, Jesus teaches them that they can only give out what He has given them. He takes only a small amount of food and feeds in abundance this huge crowd. In the Lord’s Supper, Christ gives us today an even greater feast of His Body and Blood as He invites us sinners to dine with Him f

Rev. Matt Wietfeldt, Director of Admissions and the Christ Academy program at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 6:14-29. The spread of Jesus’ name throughout Israel provides St. Mark the opportunity to recount the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist. Thoughts about who Jesus is swirl among the people, though these ideas are incorrect or incomplete. Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee, falls into the camp that believes Jesus is John raised from the dead. Such a thought likely haunts Herod, as he was responsible for John’s death in the first place. He had arrested the Baptist due to the prophet’s preaching against the adultery of Herod and Herodias. Herodias had heard the Law in anger, and Herod had heard the Law in fearful interest, yet neither heard it in faith. That unbelief, combined with the tragic circumstances of a rash vow at Herod’s birthday party, led to John’s beheading. Though the world looks at such a death in mockery and derision, the Lord’s

Rev. Joel Heckmann, pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Okarche, OK, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 6:1-13. When Jesus returns to Nazareth, the town where He was raised, the reaction is sinister. The people there believe they can know Jesus according to His family or His profession, and they stumble into unbelief when they hear Him preach. They do not recognize Jesus as the Prophet He truly is, and His judgment against their unbelief is a strong warning. Such rejection will not stop Jesus, however, from bringing God’s reign. He sends His disciples with His own authority to say and do what He has been saying and doing. They go out with faith that, even though there will be many who do not believe, their Heavenly Father will provide for their needs. They proclaim the Law in all its harshness and the Gospel in all its sweetness so that people will hear and believe in Jesus. The Lord’s authoritative Word shows its effectiveness yet again as the disciples do as He has commanded. “The Gospel in A

Rev. Nate Hill, pastor at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Winchester, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 5:21-43. Jesus crosses back to Galilee and is met by the same large crowds as before. The ruler of the synagogue, Jairus, comes to Jesus in faith that the Lord will be able to heal Jairus’ daughter. Jesus’ journey to Jairus’ house is interrupted by a woman whose social standing couldn’t provide a greater contrast. Her twelve-year issue of blood has left her unclean religiously and suffering physically and financially. She approaches Jesus in faith as well, quietly touching the Lord’s garments and receiving the healing she expects. Jesus invites her from the secrecy of the crowd to confess her faith in Him, and He recognizes her as a member of His family. Meanwhile, Jairus’ daughter has died, but Jesus urges faith. He boldly proclaims the reality that death is temporary for all who are in Him, and in the presence of a few witnesses, Jesus’ speaks His life-giving Word, and the twelve-year-old

Rev. Sam Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 5:1-20. Jesus makes His first foray into Gentile territory. There He confronts the same enemy who attacks the children of Israel. A man possessed by an unclean spirit meets Jesus as soon as He steps off the boat on the other side of the Sea of Galilee. This unclean spirit is the epitome of all that opposes the kingdom of God. Yet even the unclean spirit quickly recognizes that Jesus has authority over him. In a laughable irony, he takes the name of God upon his lips in an attempt to force Jesus’ hand. The legion of unclean spirits is quickly reduced to begging, however. In short-sighted foolishness, they ask to be sent into a herd of pigs, which leads to their demise. The reaction of the herdsmen and people of the town is one of fear at such raw power. Yet the man who has been freed from the devil’s reign is filled with faith. Though he is not given the vocation of one of Jesus’ apostles, he is sen

Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 4:35-41. Jesus’ ministry transitions from a time of teaching to a time of miracles. He calls His disciples to go with Him across the Sea of Galilee to the other side. In trust of His Heavenly Father, Jesus sleeps in the boat even as a great windstorm arises. The disciples wake Jesus, thinking that they will die. With His Word, Jesus rebukes the wind and calms the sea. He questions His disciples’ lack of faith. They respond with fear and question the identity of Jesus that the wind and sea obey Him. In this miracle, Jesus teaches us who He is. He is the Creator who spoke all things into existence and still exercises authority over His creation. He is the Savior who remains with His disciples in their distress. He is the Almighty God who brings calm to chaos by the power of His Word. “The Gospel in Action” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. Mark. The Evang

Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, assistant professors of exegetical theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 4:26-34. Jesus’ parables make use of agricultural imagery to teach that the growth in the kingdom of God is due to His work. As a seed sprouts and grows in ways that are mysterious to the farmer, so the kingdom of God grows through the work of Jesus in His Word. He sees the time for the harvest, even when we do not. The mustard seed provides the picture of the small start of the kingdom of God that will grow, by God’s action, into a home for people from all nations. Even when our expectations are not met, Jesus encourages us to trust His work in His kingdom to do what He promises. This happens as we, like Jesus’ disciples, continue to listen to His Word, in which He explains to us who He is as our Savior. “The Gospel in Action” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. Mark. The Evangelist hits the ground runnin

Rev. Dr. Adam Filipek, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church and Immanuel Lutheran Church, both in Lidgerwood, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 4:21-25. Jesus continues to teach in parables in order to proclaim His rule and reign for sinners. He compares Himself to a lamp that is meant to be set on a stand. Though at the time Jesus spoke the parable, His light was not fully seen, He will make Himself known as the Son of God when He dies on the cross for the salvation of sinners. This calls for careful listening. Those who measure Jesus as the scribes and Pharisees, according to their own legalistic standards, will be measured the same way and will receive only condemnation. Instead, faithful hearing means using the measure that Jesus Himself gives, by receiving Him on His own terms in the Gospel. With this truth in place, Holy Scripture is an open book that gives more and more treasure in Christ crucified and risen for sinners. “The Gospel in Action” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes

Rev. Andy Wright, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Keystone, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 4:1-20. As the crowds continue to gather around Him, Jesus’ ministry of teaching takes Him into a boat to begin to speak in parables. His first parable calls those around Him to listen. He tells about a sower who casts his seed indiscriminately on four different types of soil. Only in the final soil is any fruit produced. Jesus explains privately to His disciples and those around Him that His parables serve to confirm the secret of the kingdom of God to those who believe. To those who do not believe, as St. Mark has recorded in the previous chapters, the parables serve as God’s judgment for unbelief, even as He desires to bring them to salvation. Jesus’ explanation of the parable helps us to interpret it centered around Him and the Word He proclaims. In each of the first three types of soil, He illustrated different obstacles to the hearing of His Word. Through each of these, He provides a warnin

Rev. Jeff Hemmer, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 3:20-35. Questions concerning Jesus continue to swirl as He returns home to Capernaum. In an attempt to rescue the family name, Jesus’ family claims that He is crazy. The scribes have a far more sinister accusation; they claim that Jesus is possessed by a demon and working in concert with Satan himself. Jesus reveals just how ridiculous such an assertion is and speaks the truth. Satan is not divided against himself, but he along with all of his demons are united in their attempt to overthrow the gracious reign of God. Jesus, however, is the stronger man who binds Satan by the Word of God in order to rescue sinners from the domain of darkness. In saying that Jesus has a demon, the scribes are blaspheming the Holy Spirit and rejecting the gift of faith in Christ. That faith is being received by those who have gathered around Jesus. In contrast to His earthly family who stands outside trying

Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at the Northeast Kansas Lutheran Partnership, goes “Back to the Forge” with host Rev. Timothy Appel to discuss the seven attributes of Scripture. What do we mean when we say that the Bible is God’s Word? How does the devil attack our faith in the Word of God? Knowing and confessing the seven attributes of Holy Scripture provides a strong defense. 1) Inspiration: Jesus said it. 2) Inerrancy: Jesus doesn’t make mistakes. 3) Infallibility: Jesus can’t lie. 4) Authority: Jesus said so. 5) Efficacy: Jesus’ words do stuff. 6) Perspicuity: Jesus means it. 7) Sufficiency: Jesus said enough. Do you have a question, topic, or guest you’d like to hear on Back to the Forge? Send an email to kfuo@kfuo.org and let us know! 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 kn

Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 3:7-19. Jesus gathers the lost sheep of the house of Israel to Himself as He preaches and teaches throughout Israel. As the crowd surrounds Him at the Sea of Galilee again, He has His disciples bring a boat so that He can continue His ministry of teaching. He continues to heal and cast out demons. He will not let the demons speak the truth of who He is; instead, He appoints twelve apostles for this task. These were men of His choosing. They were first disciples, those who were with Jesus to learn from Him. They were second apostles, men commissioned by Jesus to extend His preaching into the world. These twelve men, named by St. Mark, are those through whom the Lord has given us His Word through which His teaching comes to us still today. “The Gospel in Action” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. Mark. The Evangelist hits the ground running with the very f

Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 2:23-3:6. The first round of confrontation between Jesus and His opponents crescendos on a Sabbath. Although the LORD had established this day of rest for the purpose of His people hearing His Word and rejoicing in His work of creation and redemption, by Jesus’ day, the Pharisees had made it a list of things that were forbidden. When they question Jesus concerning His disciples’ activity on the Sabbath, Jesus reframes the question to teach His authority as David’s Son and David’s Lord. As the Son of Man, Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath. He, therefore, defines what is lawful, as He turns the question to His opponents. Jesus accomplishes the epitome of what is fitting and lawful on the Sabbath when He heals a man’s withered hand. In a tragic irony, His opponents begin to plot evil against Jesus on that very day. Their hardness of heart brings anger and grief to Jesus, who desires all men to be s

Rev. Andrew Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Guttenberg, IA and St. Paul Lutheran Church in McGregor, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 2:18-22. Jesus’ teaching on the forgiveness of sins has drawn questions and created scandal. Though the disciples of John and the Pharisees seem like an unlikely pair, they find common ground in questioning Jesus concerning His practice of fasting. Jesus calls both groups to remember what they had been taught concerning His coming as the Bridegroom. He is the LORD who has come in the flesh to the great joy of His people. In such joy, fasting can never be practiced as a way to earn righteousness before God. Instead, fasting and other bodily discipline is put into service of the Gospel so that man learns that he does not live by bread alone. To use fasting in the way of the Law would be to misuse the Law and lead to the destruction of the sinner. Instead, Jesus comes with the new wine of the Gospel, which brings joy to all who trust in Him. “The Gospe

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 Mark 2:13-17. Crowds continue to flock to Jesus as He goes to the Sea of Galilee with the purpose of calling Levi to be His disciple. Levi, also known as Matthew, is a tax collector, a seemingly unlikely choice due to the bad reputation rightly earned by men in that profession. Yet Jesus takes the initiative in calling Levi. His short command, “Follow me,” is effective and does what Jesus intends. In celebration, Levi invites Jesus to his house for a feast, where Jesus eats with other tax collectors and sinners. Such table fellowship was offensive to the Pharisees, who had a reputation of being stringent in their pursuit of holiness according to the unwritten rules of the Law. Jesus reminds them that He eats with sinners because that is precisely the people He has come to save. In that truth, He extends the urgent invitation to the Pharisees and to all to re

Rev. Shawn Linnell, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blair, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 2:1-12. Jesus goes to His home in Capernaum, a reminder that God has become fully human to save us sinners. There the crowd surrounds Him once again, but this does not deter a paralytic and his four friends. He knows Jesus preaching the Word, and he wants to hear Jesus. When his friends lower the paralytic in front of Jesus, the Lord forgives His sins. This was the comfort the man desperately needed; apart from this reality, physical healing would not have mattered. The scribes silently accuse Jesus of blasphemy because they do not believe He is God. Jesus knows their thoughts because He is, in fact, God, who has come to accomplish the forgiveness of sins and physical restoration that comes along with it. He gives strength to the paralytic’s legs in anticipation of the fullness of restoration at the resurrection that comes with the forgiveness of sins which Christ has won for sinners in His death a