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 16:13-20: Built on the Rock the Church Shall Stand
3d ago00:58:37Tap to summarizeIn a pagan area away from Jerusalem, Jesus questions His disciples concerning what others say about Himself. While the answers given include elements of truth, none are complete. Jesus turns the question to the disciples themselves. Who do THEY say Jesus is? Peter speaks up for the whole group with a confession of faith that comes not from Peter’s wisdom but from God’s revelation. Jesus promises that He will build His Church on the rock of the firm foundation of this confession. Although the time to proclaim Peter’s confession has not arrived in Matthew 16, for the Church today the time is now to proclaim to all that Jesus is the Christ, so that those who believe find an open heaven. Rev. Nate Hill, pastor at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Winchester, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 16:13-20. To learn more about St. Michael's Lutheran, visit stmichaelswinchester.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 16:1-12: Leaven Doesn’t Know What Time It Is
4d ago00:53:32Tap to summarizeThe Pharisees and Sadducees continue to refuse to believe in Jesus, and they insincerely ask Him for a sign. Jesus rebukes them for knowing how to recognize the coming weather but for failing to recognize the coming of the Christ. Therefore, Jesus refuses them a sign other than the one He has already offered, the sign of Jonah. The disciples miss what Jesus means when He speaks of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees, assuming that He is talking about food. Jesus rebukes them and reminds them of His two feeding miracles, teaching that they should look first for the kingdom of God, which is given through faith to both Jews and Gentiles. Rev. Dr. Peter Elliott, pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Seattle, WA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 16:1-12. To learn more about Messiah in Seattle, visit messiahseattle.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 15:29-39: De Ja Vu All Over Again
5d ago00:54:38Tap to summarizeJesus continues His compassionate ministry in Galilee by teaching and healing great crowds. As they come to Him with great urgency, Jesus heals their disabilities. As the crowds glorify the God of Israel, Jesus tells the disciples His will of feeding the crowds. The disciples forget Jesus’ recent miracle of feeding a large crowd, but their faltering faith does not prevent Jesus from accomplishing His will. He takes the initiative and multiplies the food with abundance for the sake of satisfying the great crowds, once again anticipating the gift of His Holy Supper. Rev. Andrew Belt, pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Marshfield, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 15:29-39. To learn more about Christ Lutheran, visit christmarshfield.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 15:21-28: The Son of David Has Mercy on Dogs
6d ago00:55:16Tap to summarizeHistorically, the people of Tyre and Sidon were enemies of God’s people. It’s no wonder, then, that the Evangelist draws our attention to the presence of a Canaanite woman there who confesses the truth about Jesus as the Son of David as she prays for His mercy upon her daughter. Jesus’ seemingly enigmatic responses throughout teach His disciples about the nature of His ultimate ministry to Gentiles, even as Jesus also tests the woman’s faith. Despite Jesus’ harsh responses, she continues to cling to Him, knowing that she is a Gentile sinner but that He is the generous God who has enough for her to have some crumbs. Jesus vindicates her faith in Him and gives her the mercy He loves to give. Rev. Charles St-Onge, pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church in Pembroke, Ontario, Canada, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 15:21-28. “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 15:1-20: Handwashing Doesn’t Make You Righteous
1w ago00:55:50Tap to summarizeThe opposition against Jesus escalates when the Pharisees and scribes criticize Jesus’ disciples for not washing their hands. Although the man-made traditions surrounding God’s Law may have had good intentions, Jesus rebukes these men who have let their traditions replace God’s Word. To the entire crowd, Jesus teaches that true uncleanness comes not from without but from within. Jesus patiently teaches His disciples the same reality concerning the true defilement of man. People are not sinners because they sin. People sin because they are sinners. Therefore, only the Gospel of Jesus Christ can bring salvation to us. Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 15:1-20. To learn more about Immanuel in Roswell, visit immanuelroswell.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 14:22-36: Walking on Water
1w ago00:56:00Tap to summarizeWhen Jesus sends His disciples across the sea by boat, He dismisses the crowds and goes by Himself to pray. As the disciples’ boat goes with difficulty across the sea, Jesus walks on the water to them, showing Himself to be the Maker and Ruler of all creation. The disciples initially react in fear, but Jesus takes away their fear by His Word. He answers Peter's bold request to walk on the water, but Peter’s fear causes him to sink. Though the disciples’ faith falters, they worship Jesus as the Son of God on the boat. On the other side of the sea, the Son of God continues to heal those who are sick. Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 14:22-36. To learn more about Crown of Life Lutheran, visit crownoflifesa.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 14:13-21: Food of Compassion
2w ago00:53:31Tap to summarizeUpon hearing of John’s death, Jesus withdraws by boat to a desolate place alone. When the crowds follow Him on foot, Jesus does not react with anger or annoyance, but with compassion. In that compassion, He heals the sick all day long. When the disciples ask Jesus to send the crowds away to eat, Jesus calls on them to feed the crowds. The disciples recognize their own helplessness and put food in Jesus’ hands. Jesus multiplies the loaves and fish to satisfy over five thousand people. By this miracle, Jesus shows His generosity for His people and His desire to host His people, pointing forward to the later gift of His Holy Supper. Rev. Tim Storck, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Chesterfield, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 14:13-21. To learn more about Good Shepherd Lutheran, visit facebook.com/GoodShepChesterfield.“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 14:1-12: A Blessed Death
2w ago00:52:46Tap to summarizeWhen Herod the tetrarch hears the miracles of Jesus, Herod believes John has been raised from the dead. The Evangelist recounts the story of how John was martyred, going back to his imprisonment for preaching God’s Word against Herod’s adultery. Although Herod has authority, everyone around him exercises power over him, from Herodias to Herodias’ daughter to the crowds. Although Herod cowardly puts John to death, the Word of God that John preached endures forever. John’s death points forward to Christ’s death, and Christ’s resurrection promises John’s resurrection. Rev. Matt Wietfeldt, Assistant Vice President of Admissions at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 14:1-12. “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 13:51-58: The Blessed Virgin’s Son Goes Home
2w ago00:54:41Tap to summarizeJesus concludes His discourse of parables by asking His disciples about their understanding. Their affirmative answer is true because they do believe in Jesus, even if their knowledge will still falter. Having been trained for the kingdom of heaven, Jesus makes His disciples true scribes who find the treasures of the Scriptures revealed in Him. Tragically, that does not take place when Jesus preaches in His hometown. The residents there falsely assume they know Jesus because they think they know His family. Because of this unbelief, Jesus does not do many mighty works there. Rev. Mark Squire, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 13:51-58. To learn more about Immanuel Lutheran, visit immanuelsta.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 13:44-50: A Treasure, a Pearl, and a Net
2w ago00:53:42Tap to summarizeJesus again tells two short parables with similar meaning. He compares God’s reign to someone who searches to find something very valuable, and when he finds it, he sells everything to buy it. While Christians should value God’s kingdom above all else, Jesus tells these two parables to teach us how He has in love given up all that is His to make us His own. This comforts the disciples of Jesus as they live now waiting for the close of the age when believers will be separated from unbelievers and God’s vindication of the righteous will be made manifest. Rev. Jeff Hemmer, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, IL and Signal Hill Lutheran Church in Belleville, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 13:44-50. To learn more about Bethany Lutheran, visit bethanylcms.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
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