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 13:31-35: The Mustard Seed Leavens the Whole Lump
3w ago00:56:37Tap to summarizeThrough two short parables that use the images of a mustard seed and leaven, Jesus makes a similar point. Both a mustard seed and leaven are small and seem insignificant, yet over time, both bring substantial growth. In a similar way, God’s reign as King may seem insignificant right now in the ministry of Jesus, but the Lord promises that His reign will become a home for many people. Jesus’ parables bring about a fulfillment of God’s Word from Psalm 78. Rev. Ned Moerbe, pastor at Memorial Lutheran Church and School in Houston, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 13:31-35. To learn more about Memorial Lutheran, visit mlchouston.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 13:24-30, 36-43: The Parable of the Weeds
3w ago00:56:02Tap to summarizeJesus tells the crowds another parable that uses the image of farming. A master sows good seed in his field, but an enemy sows weeds right on top of the good seed. When the servants ask about pulling the weeds, the master commands that both be left to grow until they are separated at the harvest. The disciples receive Jesus’ explanation of this parable privately, and He focuses their attention on the harvest, that is, the end of the age. At that time, the angels will separate the unrighteous from the righteous. Until that time, the Church is called to patient endurance and trust in Christ, the King. Rev. Dr. Kevin Golden, Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology and Dean of Ministerial Formation at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. “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 13:10-17: Blessed Eyes and Ears
3w ago00:55:09Tap to summarizeWhen Jesus’ disciples ask Him why He is now speaking in the parables, Jesus explains that His parables both reveal and hide the truth. To the disciples, further revelation is given; to the crowds, the truth is given but remains hidden without faith. In this way, Jesus’ ministry to the crowds fulfills the call the LORD gave to Isaiah. Throughout Jesus’ teaching, the disciples remain blessed, for they are seeing and hearing the fulfillment of the Scriptures. Rev. Mark Barz, campus chaplain at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 13:10-17. “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 13:1-9, 18-23: The Parable of the Sower
3w ago00:52:20Tap to summarizeJesus boards a boat on the Sea of Galilee to begin His third great discourse in the Gospel according to St. Matthew. As He speaks to the crowds in parables, He uses stories from everyday life to teach how God is reigning as King. The story of the sower includes the unusual detail that this sower casts his seed even in unfruitful places. Through the parable, Jesus reveals to His disciples various ways that the Word of God is heard and encourages them to proclaim that Word persistently. Rev. Jared Nies, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in Lapeer, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23. To learn more about St. Paul Lutheran, visit stpaul-lapeer.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 12:38-50: Jesus’ Family Recognizes the Sign of Jonah
3w ago00:54:08Tap to summarizeAlthough Jesus has just healed a demon-possessed man, some scribes and Pharisees ask Jesus for another sign. Jesus refuses to give any sign except the sign of Jonah— that is, Jesus’ own death and resurrection. He warns His opponents of further rejection of His work. To do so is to invite further demonic oppression. When some of Jesus’ family come looking for Him, He reminds those listening that His family is first and foremost defined by faith in Him. Rev. David Vandercook, pastor at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Crawford, NE and Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Harrison, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 12:38-50. To learn more about Bethlehem and Redeemer Evangelical, visit belccrawford.org and relcharrison.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 12:15-37: Binding Beelzebul
4w 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
4w 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
4w 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
4w 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
4w 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 →