Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Sean Daenzer, director of worship for the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod and chaplain at the International Center in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 19:21-41. Paul’s lengthy ministry in Ephesus was not without controversy and trouble. A silversmith named Demetrius has felt economic pain from Christian preaching, and he rightly sees that Paul’s preaching of the one true God cannot stand together with idols made by human hands. The crowd works itself into a riot, chanting the praises of Artemis and seeking to harm anyone they can find. Christians in Ephesus keep Paul from physical harm as the crowd continues mindlessly and violently for two hours. Finally, a town clerk appeals to the greatness of Artemis and a desire to avoid the charges of rioting in order to calm the commotion. “To the End of the Earth” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Acts. In his second volume, St. Luke records all the things that Jesus continued to do through the ministr

Rev. Zelwyn Heide, pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hannover, ND and Zion Lutheran Church in New Salem, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 19:1-20. Paul’s third missionary journey takes him to Ephesus, as he had previously hoped. In visiting with the Christians there, he finds some who have been inadequately taught concerning the Holy Spirit and Christian baptism. Paul remedies the situation and continues his ministry in Ephesus, initially by reasoning with Jews in the synagogues and later by preaching in the hall of Tyrannus. Paul’s ministry in the city expanded throughout the region of Asia for two years, even through miracles of healing and exorcisms in Jesus’ name. When the sons of Sceva attempted to use Jesus’ name as a magic token, demons sent them away hurt and shamed. As news spread throughout Ephesus, people began to forsake their demonic arts, even to their economic disadvantage. This fruit of repentance was evidence of the growth of the Word of God. “To the End of the Ear

Rev. Shawn Linnell, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blair, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 18:18-28. Luke narrates the end of Paul’s second missionary journey in quick succession. The apostle leaves Corinth and stops briefly in Ephesus, where he leaves Priscilla and Aquila. Paul continues on to Caesarea and Jerusalem before returning to Antioch. After a while, he starts on his third missionary journey by heading toward Galatia and Phrygia to strengthen the disciples there. Meanwhile in Ephesus, Apollos arrives and begins to speak accurately about Jesus from the Scriptures. Priscilla and Aquila recognize that Apollos still had teaching to learn, so they teach him the Christian faith even more accurately. Having humbly learned from these faithful tentmakers, Apollos goes to Achaia with the blessing of the Church. There he powerfully preaches that Jesus is the Christ. “To the End of the Earth” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Acts. In his second volume,

Rev. William Terjesen, pastor at the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Peekskill, NY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 18:1-17. Paul leaves Athens and goes to Corinth, where his trade of tentmaking opens the door for him to proclaim the Gospel to Aquila and Priscilla. Paul’s work in Corinth followed his pattern elsewhere. He preached in the synagogue until the rejection of the Jews sent him to preach to the Gentiles. Yet the Gospel made inroads in Corinth; a Christian church was founded right next to the synagogue. The Lord spoke to Paul in a vision to take away his fears and assure him of safety in Corinth. Paul ended up staying there for a year and a half, founding Corinth as a hub for mission in Greece. The Lord’s promise to Paul proved true in the case of the attack the Jews brought against him. The proconsul Gallio saw through their deception, and Paul was unharmed by the unruly mob. “To the End of the Earth” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Acts. In his

Rev. David Vandercook, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in North Little Rock, AR and Shepherd of Peace Lutheran Church in Maumelle, AR, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 17:16-34. The gross idolatry in Athens distressed Paul, yet he was undeterred from preaching the Gospel there both in the synagogue and in the marketplace. His preaching of Jesus and the resurrection caught the attention of the philosophers in Athens, who desired to hear more from Paul. The apostle went to the Areopagus to address the people of Athens there. In his sermon, Paul redirects their religiosity toward idols toward the true God. Paul clearly proclaims the true God as the Creator of all things. The people should have been able to recognize Him from creation, and they had discovered things about Him in part, but their ignorance remained. Paul proclaims that the time of ignorance has come to an end and repentance is needed ahead of the judgment God will bring through Jesus, who has been raised from the dead. The resurrect

Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 17:1-15. Paul and his companions make their way to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue. For three Sabbath days, Paul preaches to them from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ. Some believe, including many leading women. Yet some of the Jews in Thessalonica become jealous. They take some of the rabble to form a mob to attack Paul and Silas. When they cannot find Paul and Silas, the mob settles for Jason, who had welcomed the preachers into his house and now suffers along with them. The brothers in Thessalonica send Paul and Silas along to Berea; the Jews there listen with eagerness and examine the Scriptures to see that Paul’s preaching is true. This duty still belongs to Christian hearers today. Though many believe in Berea, Jews follow from Thessalonica and chase Paul out of Berea as well. “To the End of the Earth” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of A

Rev. Joel Heckmann, pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Okarche, OK, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 16:16-40. In Philippi, Paul and Silas are harassed by a demon-possessed slave girl. When Paul casts the demon out, the girl’s owners are only concerned about their lost income, a reminder of the danger of idolatry toward money. They have Paul and Silas beaten and thrown in prison. Yet the Philippian jail becomes the place of worship and proclamation for Paul and Silas. Their midnight hymns are heard by their fellow prisoners and the jailer. When the Lord’s earthquake sets the prisoners free, the prisoners do not flee and the jailer asks he can be saved. Paul and Silas direct him to faith in Jesus, and the jailer and his entire household are baptized into the Christian faith. Before leaving Philippi, Paul makes uses of his rights as a Roman citizen in order to serve the Christians who will remain in Philippi after he leaves. “To the End of the Earth” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that

Rev. Nate Hill, pastor at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Winchester, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 15:36-16:15. Paul and Barnabas make plans for a second missionary journey together, but they disagree over whether or not John Mark should accompany them. Their disagreement serves to send the Gospel in two directions: Barnabas and Mark go to Cyprus, while Paul takes Silas with him through Syria and Cilicia. In Lystra, they meet a disciple named Timothy. Paul desires to take him along as a fellow worker, and so Paul has Timothy circumcised in order to avoid offense to the Jews. As Paul and his companions continue, they desire to go into Asia Minor, but the Spirit will not allow them. By a vision, He sends them into Europe instead. They make their way to Philippi, where the Lord opens Lydia’s heart to hear the Gospel in faith. “To the End of the Earth” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Acts. In his second volume, St. Luke records all the things that Jesus c

Rev. Mark Squire, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 15:22-35. Having reached concord under the Word of God, the church in Jerusalem sends a letter to the church in Antioch by the hand of Judas called Barsabbas and Silas. The church in Jerusalem writes for the purpose of brotherly encouragement. They honestly acknowledge that the ones who had caused trouble came from their midst, although the troublemakers had no actual authority. Instead, the letter carried by Judas and Silas, along with Paul and Barnabas, contains the true doctrine that gives peace in Christ. The Gentiles do not need to be circumcised to be saved; at the same time, for the sake of love in the Church, Gentile Christians should take care not to offend their Jewish brothers. The letter is received as encouragement in Antioch. Judas and Silas eventually return to Jerusalem while Paul and Barnabas stay in Antioch to continue to teach and preach. “To the End of the Earth” is a

Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee’s Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 15:1-21. When men from Judea come to Syrian Antioch claiming that Gentiles must be circumcised to be saved, Paul and Barnabas know that the heart of the Gospel was at stake. The church in Antioch sends Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem to settle the matter according to the Word of God. After the delegation from Antioch is welcomed by the church in Jerusalem, the apostles and elders meet together to consider the question at hand. Peter is first to speak, reminding the assembly what God had revealed to them Peter’s vision: Gentiles are saved by God’s grace, just as the Jews. Paul and Barnabas then recount God’s work on their recent journey. Finally, James the brother of Jesus reminds the gathering that salvation for the Gentiles by God’s grace is precisely what the prophet Amos had written. James speaks the judgment that the Gentiles should not be troubled by being forced into circumcision,

Rev. Matt Ulmer, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bishop, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 14:8-28. In Lystra, a lame man hears Paul’s preaching in faith; by the power of Jesus Christ, Paul gives the man healing. The crowd in Lystra sees the sign and thinks that Paul is Hermes and Barnabas is Zeus. Though we may see ourselves as beyond such idolatry, we still often give credit to someone or something other than the true God. Paul and Barnabas are at pains to correct the crowd. Although Paul and Barnabas are men, they have come to proclaim the true and living God who has created all things. Before long, however, Jews from Antioch and Iconium come and stone Paul. After they incorrectly assume he is dead, Paul continues on his missionary journey before returning through the towns he had visited previously to strengthen the saints and appoint pastors. Paul and Barnabas finally return to Antioch in Syria, where they give a report of the work God had done through them for the Gentiles. “

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 13:42-14:7. The people respond to Paul’s sermon at the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch by begging him to return and speak again. However, when almost the entire city came the following week, the Jews were filled with jealousy and began to contradict Paul and Barnabas. The apostles’ response was direct; the Jews had judged themselves unworthy of eternal life, so Paul and Barnabas would go to the Gentiles, as the Scripture had said. The Gentiles heard this with joy, for the Lord was at work through His Word to bring sinners to eternal life. Jewish persecution sent Paul and Barnabas on to Iconium, where the response to their preaching was again divided. They remained there for some time, until an attempt to stone them sent them on to Lystra and Derbe. “To the End of the Earth” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Acts. In his second volume, St. Luke records all the thin

Rev. Mark Barz, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 13:13-41. Paul and Barnabas continue on their missionary journey, even as John Mark leaves them to return to Jerusalem. Paul and Barnabas make their way to Antioch in Pisidia, going first to the synagogue. There, they are invited to speak on the texts read for the day, so Paul proclaims Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament. St. Paul emphasizes God’s faithfulness to Israel in bringing them out of slavery, sustaining them through the wilderness, giving them judges, and finally by making David their king. Here Paul turns to the proclamation of Jesus, the Son of David, as the fulfillment of God’s promises. Specifically, God fulfilled His promises through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Paul then proclaims the “for you” of the Gospel: what Jesus has done is for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus has brought freedom from sin that the Law could never bring. “To the End of the Earth” is

Rev. Tim Koch, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Linn, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 12:24-13:12. Despite the persecution against the Church, the Word of God continues to increase and multiply. The Holy Spirit directs the church in Antioch to set apart Barnabas and Saul for a missionary journey. Taking along John Mark, the missionary team starts by heading to Cyprus, Barnabas’ homeland. There they are confronted by a magician and false prophet, Elymas. With strong words, Saul, also called Paul, convicts Elymas of his deceit and villainy, and the Lord strikes Elymas blind for a time. Though the sign is spectacular, it is the teaching of the Lord that astonishes Sergius Paulus, the proconsul, and brings him to faith. “To the End of the Earth” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Acts. In his second volume, St. Luke records all the things that Jesus continued to do through the ministry of His Church. By the end of the book, the proclamation of the Lord’s Word t

Rev. Tim Eden, pastor at Bethel Lutheran Church in Bryan, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 12:1-23. St. Luke turns our attention back to Jerusalem, where Herod Agrippa has discovered that persecuting the Church is politically expedient. He kills James the son of Zebedee and arrests Peter, putting him under heavy guard lest he escape once more. In the face of such hatred and worldly power, the Church prays, knowing that whether Peter lives or dies, he is safe in the Lord. Peter is able to sleep in that peace the night before his execution has been set. Yet the Lord is not ready for Peter to be martyred. God answers the prayers of the Churchby sending His angel to wake Peter and bring him unharmed out of Herod’s prison, leading to amazement in the Church there in Jerusalem. The Lord does not allow Herod’s wickedness to go without justice. When Herod receives praise that belongs only to God, an angel strikes the king dead and worms eat his body. This serves as a warning to those who oppose the

Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 11:19-30. The Church continues to scatter after Stephen’s martyrdom, taking the Word with them. Many Jews heard the Word, even as the Lord began to open more doors for the Gospel to be proclaimed in Gentile contexts, particularly in Antioch in Syria. When the church in Jerusalem hears this news, they send Barnabas to Antioch. He lives up to his name and encourages them to remain faithful to the Lord. As the church there grows, Barnabas goes to get Saul from Tarsus to help in the work of teaching in Antioch, where the disciples were first called Christians. A prophet named Agabus is given a Word from the Spirit that a famine is coming, leading to a relief offering being gathered and sent to Jerusalem. “To the End of the Earth” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Acts. In his second volume, St. Luke records all the things that Jesus continued to do through the ministry of Hi

Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 11:1-18. News concerning what happened at Cornelius’ house quickly makes its way around the Church. When Peter returns to Jerusalem, some oppose him because when he took the Word to the Gentiles, he stayed with them and ate with them. The fact that St. Luke records Peter’s recounting of the event indicates its great importance; when the Lord repeats something in His Word, we ought to pay attention. Peter’s vision revealed not only that all food was clean, but even moreso, that people are made clean through the blood of Jesus. Cornelius was told to send for Peter because Peter would preach a message that would bring salvation. Peter concludes his defense by making the point that all of this was not man-made, but God’s own idea, revealed by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Everyone who heard Peter was brought to the truth and glorified God for giving repentance to the Gentiles. “To the End of

Rev. David Boisclair, pastor at Bethesda and Faith Lutheran Churches in north St. Louis County, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 10:34-48. Led by the Holy Spirit, Peter proclaims the good news to Cornelius and his household. Peter preaches the good news that people are not made acceptable to God by their nationality, but only on account of Christ Jesus, who is Lord of all, Jews and Gentiles alike. God made this plain in Jesus’ ministry that Peter and the apostles witnessed, beginning with Jesus’ Baptism through His crucifixion and resurrection. Peter and the apostles are therefore proclaiming the good news that Jesus gave them, namely, that everyone who believes in Jesus receives forgiveness in His name. The Holy Spirit fell upon Cornelius and those who heard the word Peter preached. This repetition of what happened at Pentecost showed that God Himself had welcomed these Gentiles into His Church, and so Peter was quick to give them God’s gift in Holy Baptism. “To the End of the Earth” i

Rev. Doug Griebenaw, mission advocate for KFUO Radio in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 10:17-33. While Peter remains perplexed about his heavenly vision, the messengers from Cornelius arrive. The Spirit leaves no doubt that Peter should go with these men, taking away any hesitation Peter might still have about associating with Gentiles. When Peter arrives at Cornelius’ house, the Roman centurion has gathered an entire congregation to hear the good news Peter has come to proclaim. Peter’s initial word to those gathered there shows that he has already recognized the truth that God has shown him in the vision: holiness before God is not found in any distinction between Jew and Gentile, but only in faith in Christ. Cornelius reveals to Peter why he has sent for the apostle to come, and he and his family and friends eagerly await the good news Peter has been commanded to preach. “To the End of the Earth” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Acts. In his

Rev. Jeff Hemmer, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, IL and assistant to the President of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 10:1-16. St. Luke introduces into the narrative Cornelius, a Roman centurion. Though Cornelius has faith in the God of Israel, he is nonetheless an uncircumcised Gentile. The Lord sends His angel to Cornelius in order to direct him to send for Simon Peter in Joppa. Cornelius listens in faith and sends for Peter immediately. Meanwhile, in Joppa, Peter is staying with Simon the tanner. About noon, Peter receives a vision while he is on the housetop praying. The Lord shows Peter a sheet full of unclean animals and commands Peter to rise, kill, and eat. When Peter objects at what seems to him a breaking of God’s Law, the Lord responds, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” Through this vision, the Lord prepares Peter to proclaim to Cornelius and his household the good news of Jesus Christ to bring cleansing from un