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 12:15-37: Binding Beelzebul
3d ago00:54:08Tap to summarizeJesus withdraws from those who are ready to destroy Him because the hour of His death has not yet come. After He heals a demon-oppressed man, the Pharisees renew their claim that Jesus casts out demons by the prince of demons. Jesus points out the error of their logic and proclaims that He has come as the One who binds Satan and rescues people from the devil’s deadly domain. Those who persistently reject this Gospel reject the Holy Spirit’s work of salvation for them; their words are the fruit that give evidence of what is in their hearts. Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 12:15-37. To learn more about Calvary Evangelical, visit calvarymechanicsburg.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 12:1-14: Rest and Restoration on the Sabbath
4d ago00:54:42Tap to summarizeThe Pharisees question Jesus for allowing His disciples to pluck heads of grain on the Sabbath, accusing Him of allowing work on the day of rest. Jesus makes it plain from the Scriptures that He is the Lord of the Sabbath, and His disciples are keeping the commandment by being with Him. As Jesus enters a synagogue, His enemies challenge Him concerning healing on the Sabbath. Jesus does the proper work by restoring His creation from the effects of sin. Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 12:1-14. To learn more about Redeemer Lutheran in Lawrence, visit Redeemer-Lawrence.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 11:16-30: A Yoke of Rest
5d ago00:54:22Tap to summarizeAs Jesus is speaking about John, He begins to describe the generation that has heard them both preach. The unbelieving hearers were not satisfied, no matter what was preached, yet the truth of God’s Word will be vindicated. Judgment, however, awaits those places that refused to believe Jesus’ mighty words and works. The Father reveals Himself not to the wise and understanding, but to little children, that is, those who come to Jesus entirely dependent on Him. Jesus calls all to come to Him in this way, so that sinners would find rest in bearing His yoke. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 11:16-30. To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit graceelgin.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 11:1-15: An Imprisoned Prophet’s Question
6d ago00:55:41Tap to summarizeWhile Jesus’ ministry of preaching and teaching in Israel continues, John remains in Herod’s prison. From that cell, John sends two of His disciples to ask Jesus if He really is the Coming Christ. Jesus’ response uses Old Testament promises to answer, “Yes! I am the Christ!” As John’s disciples return to John with the answer, Jesus tells the crowds the importance of John’s ministry. As the forerunner of the Christ, John is the Elijah promised by the prophet Malachi. Rev. Jason Kaspar, pastor at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in La Grange, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 11:1-15. To learn more about Mount Calvary Lutheran, visit mtcalvary-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 10:32-42: The Confession of the Cross
1w ago00:53:29Tap to summarizeJesus promises His disciples that as they confess Him before the world, He will confess them before His Father in heaven. The disciples must know that this will bring division even within their own families, and they must bear this division as carrying a cross while following Jesus. To lose their lives for His sake will be to truly keep their lives eternally. Those who receive the disciples are actually receiving Jesus and the Father who sent Him. This strengthens the disciples as they go out proclaiming the kingdom of God. Rev. Dr. Scott Murray, pastor emeritus in Houston, TX and Third Vice President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 10:32-42. “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 10:16-31: Wise Serpents and Innocent Doves
1w ago00:51:44Tap to summarizeJesus prepares His disciples for the opposition they will face as they go out proclaiming God’s kingdom. However, the Holy Spirit will give them words to speak as they endure to the end. The hostility the disciples face should be unsurprising since their Lord faced the same. This will give the disciples courage to proclaim the Word of God openly. As they rightly fear God, their other fears will be taken away, for this same God is their heavenly Father who loves His people. Rev. Sean Smith, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Clarksville, TN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 10:16-31. To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit glctn.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 10:5-15: Preaching Peace to Lost Sheep
2w ago00:54:20Tap to summarizeJesus sends His twelve first, not to the Gentiles or Samaritans, but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. These lost sheep need to hear the message that both John and Jesus have preached: “The kingdom of heaven is at hand!” God’s reign as King brings healing from sickness and rescue from demons among those who hear the Twelve’s message. God’s reign as King will provide for the Twelve as they go, as He provides for their physical needs through the generosity of those who hear and believe. Those who believe the Word will receive peace from God, but those who do not believe are warned that the Day of Judgment is coming as it once came for notoriously wicked places. Rev. Tim Sandeno, missionary church planter to Spangdahlem, Germany, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 10:5-15. “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 9:35-10:4: The Hopeful Harvest
2w ago00:55:39Tap to summarizeJesus continues to bring God’s kingdom by teaching, preaching, and healing. He does not see the crowds with anger, but with compassion, for He has come as the Good Shepherd for sinners. In that compassion, Jesus tells His disciples to pray that the Lord would send laborers to work in His plentiful harvest. In answer to that prayer, He sends His twelve apostles with His authority to preach and to heal. Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Oakmont, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 9:35-10:4. To learn more about Redeemer Lutheran in Oakmont, visit redeemer-oakmont.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 9:18-34: Death, Disability, and Demons Overcome
2w ago00:55:37Tap to summarizeA ruler comes to Jesus, asking Him to lay His hand on the ruler’s dead daughter to give her life again. As Jesus goes, He gives cleansing life to another daughter whose issue of blood has made her unclean. As Jesus’ touch brings life to this woman, so His touch brings life to the girl who has died. After leaving the house, two blind men cry out to Jesus for mercy. With faith in Jesus as the Son of David, they receive the gift of sight from the Lord. Soon, people bring a demon-oppressed man to Jesus, and He casts out the demon and makes the man speak once more. While this leads the crowds to astonishment, the Pharisees are convinced that Jesus is working in league with the devil. Rev. Dr. Daniel Brege, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church—Preble, near Decatur, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 9:18-34.To learn more about St. Paul Lutheran Church—Preble, visit stpaulpreble.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 9:9-17: From the Tax Booth to the Feast
2w ago00:55:22Tap to summarizeWhile Matthew is at the tax booth, Jesus goes to him and speaks an authoritative Word: “Follow Me!” That Word accomplishes Jesus’ will of making Matthew a disciple. When the Pharisees question Jesus’ association with such notorious sinners, Jesus calls them to learn that He has come precisely to call those sick with sin to receive His healing. That joyful ministry is not an occasion for fasting, but for feasting. Jesus is the new wine who cannot be shoved into any manmade wisdom. Rev. Sam Beltz, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Oskaloosa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 9:9-17. To learn more about St. John in Oskaloosa, visit stjohnosky.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 →