Podcast
Sharper Iron from KFUO Radio
Hosted by KFUO Radio · EN
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.
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Matthew 7:1-6: Eyes Cleared from Specks and Logs
2d ago00:53:34Tap to summarizeAlthough Jesus does authorize His disciples to discern what is good from what is evil, Jesus does not authorize His disciples to bring the judgment of condemnation. That authority belongs to Him alone. Rather, with their eyes made healthy by the judgment of sin in Jesus’ cross, the disciples of Jesus can see clearly to help others see the forgiveness of sins found in Christ alone. Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 7:1-6. To learn more about Higher Things, visit higherthings.org.“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth. 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. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org
Transcribe →Matthew 6:25-34: Freedom from Worry
3d ago00:53:50Tap to summarizeJesus teaches His disciples that trust in the true God instead of any idol brings freedom from worry. He invites His disciples to consider the simple examples of the way God cares for birds and flowers. If God loves such trivial things, He will surely love His dear children. Thus, the disciples are free to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness first, confident that God will give them all things needed. Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 6:25-34. To learn more about Glory of Christ, visit gloryofchrist.org.“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth. 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. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org
Transcribe →Matthew 6:19-24: There’s Only Room in the Heart for One God
4d ago00:53:12Tap to summarizeJust as Jesus’ disciples do not practice their righteousness for the sake of being seen, so they do not treasure those things that can be seen. Rather, the true treasure of the Christian is a heavenly treasure, the righteousness of Christ that comes by faith. This treasure is indestructible and makes for a healthy eye, so that we can look upon the things of this life with the proper perspective. This happens as we worship only the true God, instead of worshipping mammon or any other idol. Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 6:19-24. To learn more about St. Paul's in Paducah, visit stpaulpaducah.org.“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth. 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. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org
Transcribe →Matthew 6:16-18: Christian Fasting
1w ago00:55:18Tap to summarizeJesus expects that His disciples will engage in the discipline of fasting. Abstaining from food for a time reminds Christians that we do not live by bread alone, but by every Word that comes from the mouth of God. Like other forms of outward piety, Christians do not fast for the sake of being seen by others. Rather, the discipline of the flesh serves to benefit the Christian in deepening dependence upon God alone. Rev. Doug Minton, pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 6:16-18. To learn more about Our Savior in Milford, visit oursaviormilford.com.“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth. 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. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org
Transcribe →Matthew 6:5-15: Christian Prayer
1w ago00:56:39Tap to summarizeJust as Jesus expects His disciples will give to the needy, so He expects that they will pray. He warns against the prayer of the hypocrites, in which an outward show is the goal, and He also warns against the prayer of the Gentiles, in which prayer is heard by an abundance of words. Jesus instead grounds His disciples’ prayer in faith that their heavenly Father loves them, hears them, and already knows what they need. Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray with such confidence, giving them the very petitions that are pleasing to Him. Rev. Dr. Martin Dressler, pastor at Salem Lutheran Church and School in Black Jack, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 6:5-15. To learn more about Salem Lutheran, visit salembjmo.org.“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth. 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. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org
Transcribe →Matthew 6:1-4: Christian Almsgiving
1w ago00:55:16Tap to summarizeAs Jesus teaches His disciples how to put His righteousness into practice, He warns them against doing it only for an outward show. They can have that reward, if they want, but then that temporal reward will be all they receive. Jesus expects that His disciples will practice their righteousness by giving to those in need. Such giving is not a matter of publicity, but a matter of showing mercy to the neighbor as God has first shown mercy to us. Rev. Andy Jagow, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 6:1-4. To learn more about Bethany Lutheran, visit bethany-lcms.org.“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth. 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. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org
Transcribe →Matthew 5:43-48: Love Like Your Heavenly Father
1w ago00:53:55Tap to summarizeJesus ensures that His disciples know that the neighbor whom they are to love includes their enemy. Their Heavenly Father pours His gifts upon the righteous and the unrighteous, and so His Christians are to show the same sort of perfect love. To love only those who love in return is to practice the sort of righteousness that even the pagans already accomplish. God calls His people to His own holiness. Although we never measure up in our actions, He bestows holiness upon us through His grace in Jesus. Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 5:43-48. To learn more about Holy Cross in Warda, visit holycrosswarda.com.“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth. 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. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org
Transcribe →Matthew 5:33-42: Truth and Mercy
2w ago00:55:07Tap to summarizeJesus attacks any attempt to keep the Law as a matter of checking all the right boxes. Oaths are not a matter of using the right formulation. Instead, Jesus’ disciples should let their speech be saturated with the truth as they seek to keep the Second and Eighth Commandments. Even as God limited the retaliation of His people, He commends mercy to His people, as Jesus teaches His disciples to show kindness even to those who mean them harm. Rev. Zelwyn Heide, pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hanover, ND and Zion Lutheran Church in New Salem, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 5:33-42.To learn more about St. Peter and Zion Lutheran Churches, visit stpeterzion.org.“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth. 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. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org
Transcribe →Matthew 5:27-32: Marriage Breakers
2w ago00:54:29Tap to summarizeAs Jesus continues to expound upon His Law, He deepens our understanding of the Sixth Commandment. Physical adultery does not only break marriage; the lust of the heart already sins against God’s gift of a spouse. Jesus’ disciples shouldn’t just shrug their shoulders at divorce and make sure to go about it with the right procedures. Jesus’ disciples should keep their goal of upholding and protecting marriage, rather than breaking it apart. Although Jesus would not have His disciples engage in self-mutilation, He would have us take steps necessary to remove the causes of sin in our lives so that we would live according to the clean heart He creates in us. Rev. Richard Mittwede, pastor emeritus residing in Austin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 5:27-32. “The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth. 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. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org
Transcribe →Matthew 5:21-26: Murderous Anger
2w ago00:52:14Tap to summarizeWhen Jesus states what His disciples have heard from the Old Testament, He does not contradict the Word of God but reveals the full depth of His truth. As Jesus begins to teach the true intention of the Fifth Commandment, He states that murder is more than an unlawful taking of life, but begins with anger, hatred, and insults. Rather than allowing anger to fester and grow in our hearts, Jesus teaches His disciples to seek reconciliation quickly. Rev. Dr. Thomas Egger, president at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 5:21-26. To learn more about Concordia Seminary, visit csl.edu.“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth. 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. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org
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