Jesus concludes His Sermon on the Mount by urging those who have heard Him to put His Words into practice. This is what the poor in spirit do as they trust in Jesus to keep His promises. To have such faith is to build upon Jesus as a solid foundation; all other ground is sinking sand. Upon the conclusion of His Sermon, the crowds are amazed at Jesus’ authority. As the Gospel continues, that authoritative Word of Jesus continues to be on display.

Rev. Jeffrey Ries, pastor at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tacoma, WA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 7:24-29.

To learn more about Zion Evangelical Lutheran, visit zion-tacoma.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