Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 2:23-3:6. The first round of confrontation between Jesus and His opponents crescendos on a Sabbath. Although the LORD had established this day of rest for the purpose of His people hearing His Word and rejoicing in His work of creation and redemption, by Jesus’ day, the Pharisees had made it a list of things that were forbidden. When they question Jesus concerning His disciples’ activity on the Sabbath, Jesus reframes the question to teach His authority as David’s Son and David’s Lord. As the Son of Man, Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath. He, therefore, defines what is lawful, as He turns the question to His opponents. Jesus accomplishes the epitome of what is fitting and lawful on the Sabbath when He heals a man’s withered hand. In a tragic irony, His opponents begin to plot evil against Jesus on that very day. Their hardness of heart brings anger and grief to Jesus, who desires all men to be s

Rev. Andrew Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Guttenberg, IA and St. Paul Lutheran Church in McGregor, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 2:18-22. Jesus’ teaching on the forgiveness of sins has drawn questions and created scandal. Though the disciples of John and the Pharisees seem like an unlikely pair, they find common ground in questioning Jesus concerning His practice of fasting. Jesus calls both groups to remember what they had been taught concerning His coming as the Bridegroom. He is the LORD who has come in the flesh to the great joy of His people. In such joy, fasting can never be practiced as a way to earn righteousness before God. Instead, fasting and other bodily discipline is put into service of the Gospel so that man learns that he does not live by bread alone. To use fasting in the way of the Law would be to misuse the Law and lead to the destruction of the sinner. Instead, Jesus comes with the new wine of the Gospel, which brings joy to all who trust in Him. “The Gospe

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 Mark 2:13-17. Crowds continue to flock to Jesus as He goes to the Sea of Galilee with the purpose of calling Levi to be His disciple. Levi, also known as Matthew, is a tax collector, a seemingly unlikely choice due to the bad reputation rightly earned by men in that profession. Yet Jesus takes the initiative in calling Levi. His short command, “Follow me,” is effective and does what Jesus intends. In celebration, Levi invites Jesus to his house for a feast, where Jesus eats with other tax collectors and sinners. Such table fellowship was offensive to the Pharisees, who had a reputation of being stringent in their pursuit of holiness according to the unwritten rules of the Law. Jesus reminds them that He eats with sinners because that is precisely the people He has come to save. In that truth, He extends the urgent invitation to the Pharisees and to all to re

Rev. Shawn Linnell, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blair, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 2:1-12. Jesus goes to His home in Capernaum, a reminder that God has become fully human to save us sinners. There the crowd surrounds Him once again, but this does not deter a paralytic and his four friends. He knows Jesus preaching the Word, and he wants to hear Jesus. When his friends lower the paralytic in front of Jesus, the Lord forgives His sins. This was the comfort the man desperately needed; apart from this reality, physical healing would not have mattered. The scribes silently accuse Jesus of blasphemy because they do not believe He is God. Jesus knows their thoughts because He is, in fact, God, who has come to accomplish the forgiveness of sins and physical restoration that comes along with it. He gives strength to the paralytic’s legs in anticipation of the fullness of restoration at the resurrection that comes with the forgiveness of sins which Christ has won for sinners in His death a

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 Mark 1:40-45. The leper who approaches Jesus was breaking all the rules. He was experiencing the physical and spiritual consequences of his uncleanness , yet he had confidence that Jesus could heal him. He prays with humility, submitting his own desire to the will of Jesus. Out of His divine mercy and compassion, Jesus too breaks the rules; He touches the leper, imparting His cleansing to the man. By His almighty authority, Jesus answers the man’s prayers. As the One who had come not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, Jesus commands the man to go to the priests in Jerusalem, as Moses had required. This was a proof not only of the man’s healing, but also of Jesus as the One who had come as Savior of the world. The man ignores Jesus and tells everyone about Him. Jesus is left in the desolate places, giving a picture of the Great Excha

Rev. Dan Speckhard, pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church and School in North Judson, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 1:29-39. Jesus wastes no time as He leaves the synagogue in Capernaum and enters Simon’s house. There, the disciples bring their petition in faith toward Jesus on behalf of Simon’s mother-in-law. He does not leave their prayer unanswered; He provides healing for the ill woman through His touch. She sets an example of Christian faith; in response to being served by Jesus, she serves Him. News about Jesus has traveled fast on that Sabbath day. Once it is over, at sundown, more come to Jesus in order to be healed and have demons cast out. Jesus’ miracles point forward to His gift of full healing at the resurrection. Early the next morning, Jesus goes by Himself to pray to His Father for the salvation of sinners. His disciples seek Him out, and He reminds them of His purpose of proclaiming the Gospel to all people. Though the residents of Capernaum may have been disappointed that Je

Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 1:21-28. Jesus’ authority is apparent from the beginning of His public ministry. He teaches in the synagogue at Capernaum, His adopted home base of operation for His Galilean ministry. Jesus did not teach the Word as rabbis quoting other rabbis; He taught the Word as the Author. His authority is on further display as He rebukes a demon. An unclean spirit approaches Jesus, recognizing that Jesus is an enemy to Satan’s reign. In bringing the reign of God, Jesus retakes territory from the demonic usurpers. With a Word, the Holy One of God rebukes the unclean spirit, and the man once possessed is set free. The people are once again amazed, having seen Jesus’ authority in both word and deed. Jesus’ fame spreads as the narrative continues, pushing toward the authority Jesus ultimately shows by giving His life on the cross. “The Gospel in Action” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 1:16-20. St. Mark’s rapid pace brings us already to Jesus calling His first disciples even though he’s only just over a dozen verses into the narrative. Jesus passes alongside the Sea of Galilee and sees two fishermen: Simon and Andrew, who are brothers. Simon Peter will become chief among the apostles, and his eyewitness account to Mark shows through in this text and other places in this Gospel. Jesus’ words to the two brothers are transformative. They leave their nets and follow Jesus; He becomes their first priority. Instead of gathering fish into nets, they will now gather men into the kingdom of God. James and John, the other two members of Jesus’ closest three disciples, receive the same call from the Lord. They leave even their father behind, a reminder that faith in Christ is always the priority for His people. “The Gospel in Action” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the

Rev. Harrison Goodman, pastor at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 1:14-15. John’s imprisonment points to the truth that Jesus will follow John in his suffering and death. Although John is arrested by Herod Antipas, tetrarch in Galilee, Jesus is unafraid to preach the truth in Galilee. The Word of God goes forth unhindered by persecution. Jesus’ inaugural sermon is direct and concise. In Jesus, the time is at hand because God is reigning in Him as king. He sets His people free from asking “When is the king coming?” Instead, Jesus’ people ask, “Where is the King reigning?” and “Who is this King who reigns?” In these ways, Jesus still reigns as King among us by the preaching of His Word. The Word preached among us is the same Word Jesus preached. The Word of God brings us to repentance over our sins and creates trust in the good news of what Jesus has done for us. “The Gospel in Action” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel acco

Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 1:9-13. In His baptism and temptation, Jesus shows Himself to be our Savior. St. Mark introduces these events with words that recall the promises made through the prophets that the Christ would come. Jesus receives the baptism of sinners in order to identify Himself with them and to take their sins upon Himself. The Spirit comes upon Jesus to mark Him as the long-awaited Savior, and the Father’s voice resounds with the testimony that Jesus is the Son of God who will stand in as the substitute for sinners. The Spirit drives Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. In the same place where Israel once failed under temptation, Jesus is victorious and defeats the tempter. The service of the holy angels and presence of the wild animals once again point to the fulfillment of the promises of the Messiah in Jesus. “The Gospel in Action” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes thro

Rev. Andrew Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Guttenberg, IA and St. Paul Lutheran Church in McGregor, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 1:2-8. St. Mark opens his narrative in a dramatic way by citing the Old Testament promise that the LORD will send a messenger to prepare His way. When the dust settles, John appears as the fulfillment of that promise. He preaches repentance as the gift of God to sinners. Those sinners come from all over to confess their sins and receive baptism and the gift of forgiveness in view of what Jesus will do by His death on the cross. John’s wardrobe and diet identify him as the one who comes in the spirit and power of Elijah, whose ministry John often mirrors. John’s preaching identifies Jesus as the Savior who comes to bring completion to all of God’s promises. John pours the water of baptism; Jesus is the One who pours the Holy Spirit. “The Gospel in Action” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. Mark. The Evangel

Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at the Northeast Kansas Lutheran Partnership, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 1:1. Although Mark’s Gospel account is shorter than the other three, the Word that the Holy Spirit inspired him to write must not be overlooked. Mark is mentioned often in the book of Acts and epistles of the New Testament as a companion and coworker of Paul and a son of Peter. It is likely this connection to Peter and the apostle’s preaching that led Mark to write the Gospel that bears his name. He probably wrote it in Romer after Matthew and Luke had written their Gospel accounts. Mark structures his Gospel account around three key confessions of Jesus as the Son of God: by himself in the very first verse, by the Father’s voice at the Transfiguration, and by the centurion upon Jesus’ death. Mark wants us to see Jesus as the Son of God as the One who was crucified for us. Mark often uses the word “immediately” to move us toward those scenes which highlight that truth, particularly in the deeds a

“The Gospel in Action” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. Mark. The Evangelist hits the ground running with the very first verse of his Gospel account, and he never lets up the pace. As one deed of Jesus comes right after another, always paired with His authoritative Word, St. Mark proclaims the good news that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, revealed conclusively by His death on the cross. 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.

Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 52:7-10. Isaiah writes ahead of time to proclaim the Gospel to Judean exiles living in Babylon, awaiting the news of their salvation. Having seen the destruction of their home and the temple of the LORD, they had been brought to repentance over their idolatry. Yet as they lived in exile, they would have been tempted toward the lie that the LORD was not King. Isaiah pictures a messenger with beautiful feet because he carries truly good news: “Your God reigns!” The watchmen hear this messenger and join in his song of good news as they see God Himself return as Savior. Even the waste places sing together for joy at the LORD’s redemption. He bares His holy arm to save. Although to human eyes it looks like weakness, the LORD’s incarnation in human flesh and suffering death on the cross are His strength for the salvation of sinners. He does this in the sight of all people so that sinners would see

Rev. Tim Koch, pastor at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank, SD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 9:2-7. The promise of Immanuel continues to dominate Isaiah’s preaching in this text. The darkness of Assyria’s devastation looms over Judah. The darkness of their own idolatry looms over Judah. Into this thick darkness, the LORD shines His light. His presence among His people gives them unreserved joy as He transforms their darkness into light. The LORD takes away the burdens upon them in ways that seem weak to human wisdom, as He did in the days of the judges when He alone was their King. Under His reign, war is brought to an end, and there is only peace. This peace comes through the birth of a Child, the Son who is both fully human and fully divine. He bears exalted names that distinguish Him as the truly good King over the house of David forever. This Child is Jesus, the only Savior. “Advent with the Prophets” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Old Testament readings appoint

Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 7:10-17. Although Ahaz was one of the most wicked kings in the history of Judah, the LORD is gracious and merciful in speaking to him through the prophet Isaiah. Not once, but twice the LORD sends Isaiah to Ahaz with the promise of deliverance from his enemies apart from any political machinations. Ahaz may sound pious in refusing to ask the LORD for a sign, but his unbelief is actually quite diabolical. The LORD’s rebuke is swift and harsh, but He still gives a sign. He gives the sign of the promised Christ, a Son miraculously born to a virgin who is God with us. This is ultimately the promise Ahaz has failed to believe, the promise by which God will finally and fully save His people. “Advent with the Prophets” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Old Testament readings appointed for the season of Advent. This holy season of repentance focuses our attention on Christ’s coming

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 62:10-12. The good news that dawns on Christmas is intended for all people. The gates are opened and the way is prepared as God frees His people from their slavery to sin. God lifts His banner for all to see. Jesus stands as this signal. Though a poor baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and a man hanging from a cross seem like foolishness and weakness to human eyes, Jesus is God’s wisdom and power to save sinners. In Jesus, salvation has come to sinners. Though those who do not trust in Him receive His coming as condemnation, He brings a new name to those who receive Him by faith. They are holy as His gift to them, for He has bought them from sin and death to make them His own. Jesus has found them when they were lost; He was forsaken so they never would be. “Advent with the Prophets” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Old Testament readings appointed for the season of Advent. This ho

Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Micah 5:2-5a. Micah preaches to Judah during the reign of wicked King Ahaz. In contrast to this evil king who reigns in worldly greatness in Jerusalem, Micah promises a ruler who will come by the LORD’s action from the tiny town of David, Bethlehem. This ruler will be true man, one from the line of Judah and David. This ruler will also be true God, the Son begotten from the Father from all eternity. The LORD guides and directs the events of history, even the time of exile for His people, in order to bring His promised Christ into the world at just the right time and in the place He promised. This ruler will not guide the people into idolatry, as wicked Ahaz had done. Instead, because this ruler is God Himself, He will be the Shepherd His holy flock needs. As our Good Shepherd, Jesus has laid down His life for our sins and taken it back up again for our justification in order that we now dwell in perfe

Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, associate pastor and headmaster at Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Zephaniah 3:14-20. Zephaniah preaches to Judah during a time in which reform among the people of God is needed. His book is filled with strong Law against the wickedness of God’s people. However, Zephaniah terrifies his hearers with the Law in order to comfort them with the Gospel found in today’s text. The silence that was commanded at the preaching of the Law in the first chapter is now replaced with the songs of joy in the salvation the Lord has given. He has declared them righteous for the sake of His Son, Jesus, the One who comes in their midst in the flesh. He takes away His people’s fears as He rejoices to save them; in the presence of His love, there is a peaceful wonder. He promises restoration for His people tossed to and fro by the world, a promise that will be fully realized when Jesus comes again in glory and raises our bodies to eternal life. “Advent with the Pr

Rev. Gaven Mize, pastor at Augustana Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hickory, NC, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 61:1-11. Isaiah preaches Jesus so clearly in this text that our Lord actually uses this as His first sermon text in Luke 4. Jesus is the One anointed with the Holy Spirit to bring about true freedom and rest in His death and resurrection. His work for us sinners removes from us the funeral garments of sin, death, and shame and clothes us in the wedding garments of joy, praise, and righteousness. The liturgy surrounding both Holy Baptism and the Christian funeral are visible reminders of the clothes of Christ’s righteousness He has given. Having received such a salvation from the Lord, Christians break forth with joyful songs of praise because of what Jesus has done for us. “Advent with the Prophets” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Old Testament readings appointed for the season of Advent. This holy season of repentance focuses our attention on Christ’s coming.