Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

St. Paul spent a long time in Ephesus during his third missionary journey. Even while he was later imprisoned, he wrote to them to instruct them in the Christian faith and life. The letter opens with praise and blessing to the Triune God. The Father has blessed us and chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world. In the beloved Son of God, we are beloved as well. In Christ Jesus, the inheritance of all God's riches belong to us, because we have been sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of the resurrection from the dead.  Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Ephesians 1:1-14.  "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle to the Ephesians. St. Paul highlights the salvation that God has given to His whole Church by His grace through faith. Because God has given His people this new life in Holy Baptism, we live in thanksgiving to Him as members of one body. 

"One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle to the Ephesians. St. Paul highlights the salvation that God has given to His whole Church by His grace through faith. Because God has given His people this new life in Holy Baptism, we live in thanksgiving to Him as members of one body.  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. 

The people who hear Malachi's preaching in the fear of the LORD speak to each other to encourage one another to repentance and faith. The LORD comforts them by writing their names in His book and promising that the distinction between His people and His enemies will one day be seen. On that Day, unbelievers will receive the fiery judgment of God, while believers will receive healing and joy from the LORD's righteousness given to them. In preparation for that Day, the LORD reminds His people of the Word He spoke through Moses. The LORD also promises to send Elijah before that Day comes in order to turn the hearts of His people back to Himself. As the book of Malachi ends, the LORD has set the stage perfectly for the coming of His Son, Jesus Christ.  Rev. Doug Griebenaw, mission advocate for KFUO Radio in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Malachi 3:16-4:6. "The Post-Exilic Prophets” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Through the p

In the aftermath of the exile and return, the people of God have gone beyond faithful lamenting and have accused the LORD of delighting in evil and injustice. In response, the LORD says He will bring justice by suddenly sending His Messenger into His temple. Another messenger will prepare the way to lead the people to repentance for the refining fire that will come. In such repentance, the people will again bring offerings of righteousness to the LORD. The only escape from that Day is through the Messenger Himself, Jesus Christ, who keeps His promises and does not change. In returning to Him, the people will receive a blessing from the LORD, for through Him, true justice and justification will be given.  Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Malachi 2:17-3:15.   "The Post-Exilic Prophets” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Through the preaching of these faithful men, the LORD s

The prophet continues to preach against the faithless priests who are failing the LORD's people. Although the LORD has called His priests to be purveyors of His life and peace through true sacrifices and right teaching of His Word, His priests have turned aside and caused many to stumble. If they do not turn, these priests will only have curses instead of blessings. Faithlessness in worship has led to faithlessness in life; the prophet also speaks the LORD's Word against those who have married idolaters. Instead of remaining true to their wives who worshiped the true God, the people have sought after divorce, which goes against the LORD's will for His people. The LORD's direct words against His people's sin should not cause us to ignore or despise Him, but rather to listen to Him and know that He speaks His rebuke for our good.  Rev. Phillip Fischaber, pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Walnut, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Malachi 2:1-16.   "The Post-Exilic Prophets” is a series o

Although few specifics concerning this prophet's life and ministry are known, Malachi nonetheless lives up to his name; he is the LORD's messenger. His preaching is characterized by many rhetorical questions from the LORD and responses from the people. In this way, the LORD brings His people to examine themselves and draw them to repentance and faith. When the people question the LORD's love for them, He reminds them that He chose them to be His people. Next, the LORD calls to account the priests who know how to honor their earthly fathers but fail to honor Him as their heavenly Father. He calls them away from their polluted sacrifices and back to the true fear of His name.  Rev. Dr. Ryan Tietz, Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology and Dean of Students at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Malachi 1:1-14.   "The Post-Exilic Prophets” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Through the preachin

Zechariah's book concludes with the LORD's promise to bring the Day of His judgment and salvation. Even on the Day He brings the enemy armies to surround Jerusalem, He plans for their destruction. On that Day, He will give His people light and life, for He will reign as the King over all. Those who remain at enmity with the LORD will see only ruin, but those who survive and turn to Him in faith will worship the LORD along with His people. Zechariah's prophecy points us both to the fulfillment in the work of the Lord Jesus Christ and in His coming again on the Last Day.  Rev. Mark Squire, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Zechariah 14:1-21.  "The Post-Exilic Prophets” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Through the preaching of these faithful men, the LORD sent His Word to His people who returned home after their exile in Babylon. Not only did the LORD encourage His people in the work of rebu

From the Pierced Savior flows a fountain that cleanses the people of God from sin and uncleanness. Through this gift, the LORD cuts off idolatry and false prophecy. He silences these lies by amplifying the voice of His truth in the proclamation of His Word, which still happens in His Church. This has happened because the LORD has sent His sword to strike His shepherd, causing the sheep to scatter. According to His loving will, the Father sent His Son to the cross to die for sinners in order to make His people His own.  Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Zechariah 13:1-9.  "The Post-Exilic Prophets” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Through the preaching of these faithful men, the LORD sent His Word to His people who returned home after their exile in Babylon. Not only did the LORD encourage His people in the work of rebuilding the temple, but even more than that, He pointe

In this second burden of the word of the LORD given by Zechariah, the prophet speaks about the way the LORD will save Jerusalem. Her enemies will stagger in drunkenness as they slice themselves open trying to lift this heavy stone. Their horses and riders will be useless in battle, for the LORD will devour His enemies by fire as all His people, from the greatest to the least, receive His victory. As the LORD promises to pour the blessing of His Spirit upon His people, the surprise comes. His people will look upon Him as the One they have pierced. The salvation for God’s people comes through the Pierced Savior, Jesus, as Zechariah once again proclaims the suffering and death of the Christ during Holy Week.  Rev. Rick Jones, Chaplain and Vice President of Spiritual Life at the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch in Minot, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Zechariah 12:1-14.   "The Post-Exilic Prophets” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Through th

The prophet continues to speak against those who have set their might against the LORD and His people. Through a parable and an action prophecy, the LORD commands Zechariah to be a shepherd to a flock that is doomed to slaughter. Because of their idolatrous past, the people of Israel had been sent into exile. The two staffs in the shepherd’s hands were broken, because Israel abandoned the LORD’s favor for them, and they annulled the brotherhood they had with each other by their faithlessness. They even considered the LORD’s word spoken among them to be worth nothing more than a slave. In the way Zechariah recites the history of Israel’s rebellion, he preaches concerning the coming suffering and death of Christ.  Rev. Jason Kaspar, pastor at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in La Grange, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Zechariah 11:1-17.  "The Post-Exilic Prophets” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Through the preaching of these faithful me

Zechariah proclaims that the LORD alone provides rain for the fields; idols are worthless. Because the leaders of God’s people have pointed them toward idols, the LORD of hosts will punish them, and He will send the Savior as the cornerstone, the tent peg, and the battle bow. Through this Savior the LORD will save all His people and bring them back to Himself, even from the farthest reaches of the world.  Rev. Zelwyn Heide, pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hanover, ND and Zion Lutheran Church in New Salem, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Zechariah 10:1-12.  "The Post-Exilic Prophets” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Through the preaching of these faithful men, the LORD sent His Word to His people who returned home after their exile in Babylon. Not only did the LORD encourage His people in the work of rebuilding the temple, but even more than that, He pointed them forward to the fulfillment of all the Old Testament promises in the

In the second part of his book, Zechariah preaches especially about the coming King for the people of God. The LORD sees not only His people; He sees all people. Neither the Phoenicians nor the Philistines will be able to stand against the LORD or His people. Jerusalem will rejoice, for the LORD is sending His humble King who will put an end to warfare and bring peace and righteousness over all the earth. Those who cling to the LORD and His coming King will have His protection and salvation. By quoting from Zechariah 9 in the Gospels, the Evangelists plainly reveal that Jesus is this humble King.  Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Zechariah 9:1-17.  "The Post-Exilic Prophets” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Through the preaching of these faithful men, the LORD sent His Word to His people who returned home after their exile in Babylon. Not only did the L

As the first part of the book of Zechariah comes to an end, the LORD of hosts speaks ten promises concerning the restoration and redemption of His people. He will guard them jealously, dwelling in their midst and giving them complete safety. As He brings them to dwell in Jerusalem, they will be His people, and He will be their God. He will bless them with peace in their land, so that they can serve Him according to the good works He has prepared for them. Their seasons of fasts will be replaced with seasons of feasts. The blessings given to Jerusalem and Judah are not only for them, however. Through these blessings, the LORD will work His good for all people as the nations are drawn to Him, the only true God, for He is with His people.  Rev. Matt Wietfeldt, Assistant Vice President of Admissions and Director of the Christ Academy Program at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Zechariah 8:1-23.  "The Post-Exilic Prophets” is a series on Sharper Iron tha

On December 7, 518 BC, the Word of the LORD comes to Zechariah to answer a question regarding ongoing religious practices. Now that the temple is being rebuilt, a delegation from Bethel wants to know if the fasts observed for the first temple’s destruction should continue or not. The LORD does not give a simple “yes” or “no” answer in response. He questions His people concerning the reason for their fasting—was it for Him or for themselves? He calls them to account, as He had done through former prophets, for only going through the motions religiously while living faithlessly toward their neighbors. Zechariah reminds the people of their fathers’ impenitence that had sent them into exile, lest the current generation fall under the same judgment.  Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church, Hanover in Alta, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Zechariah 7:1-14.  "The Post-Exilic Prophets” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Through

In Zechariah’s eighth vision, he sees four chariots coming out from between two bronze mountains. The LORD who dwells in His holy temple is powerful and active in all the world for the sake of His people. As Zechariah’s visions come to an end, the LORD gives an action prophecy for Zechariah to perform. From the wealth brought back from Babylon, Zechariah is to make a crown for the high priest Joshua. Another crown is to be in the temple for the coming Branch; He will be both Priest and King. This proclaims the coming of Jesus, who has sacrificed Himself for the sins of all people and now reigns over all creation.  Rev. Christopher Gillespie, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church and School in Random Lake, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Zechariah 6:1-15.  "The Post-Exilic Prophets” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Through the preaching of these faithful men, the LORD sent His Word to His people who returned home after their exile in Babyl

In Zechariah’s sixth vision, he sees an enormous scroll with writing on both sides. This Word from God convicts the people of their sin and goes out over all the whole earth; no one will escape the Law’s condemnation. Only in Christ will the curse be removed. In Zechariah’s seventh vision, he sees a basket with a heavy leaden lid, holding in a woman named “Wickedness.” This provides a picture of the folly of idolatry. False gods are nothing more than tiny statues, easily contained. By carrying the basket away, the LORD shows that He will put an end to the idolatrous iniquity of His people and restore them to the true worship of Himself.  Rev. Sam Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Zechariah 5:1-11.  "The Post-Exilic Prophets” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Through the preaching of these faithful men, the LORD sent His Word to His people who returned home after their exile in Babylon

In Zechariah’s fifth vision, he sees a golden lampstand flanked by two olive trees. The conversation between the prophet and the LORD’s messenger indicates the great importance of this vision. The lampstand is a reminder of the LORD’s constant watchfulness and presence with His people, and the continual flow of oil from the two trees shows how the LORD will provide constant light for His people. The work of the LORD’s Spirit will bring about the temple’s completion. Although it may seem a day of small things in the eyes of the people, the LORD will bring His joy through His might. Even as Zerubbabel and Joshua serve as the anointed ones of the LORD in Zechariah’s day, so the Lord Jesus is the Anointed One in fulfillment of all God’s promises.  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 Zechariah 4:1-14.  "The Post-Exilic Prophets” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes thro

In Zechariah’s fourth vision, the prophet sees the high priest, Joshua, standing in the heavenly courtroom clothed with filthy garments. This shows his own uncleanness and the uncleanness of all the people of God. Just as Satan stands ready to accuse and condemn Joshua, the messenger of the LORD steps forward to rebuke Satan and give Joshua new garments. This is a picture of the LORD’s cleansing forgiveness of His people. Newly forgiven, the LORD promises Joshua that He will have the right of access. The LORD also promises that He will send His Servant, the Branch from Jesse’s stem and the Cornerstone of His Church. Both promises point forward to Jesus, who removes the iniquity of His people on Good Friday.  Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Zechariah 3:1-10.  "The Post-Exilic Prophets” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Through the preaching of these faithful men, the LORD s

In Zechariah’s third vision, he sees a man with a measuring line. This man intends to measure Jerusalem in order to construct its walls, but the LORD sends Zechariah to stop this man. Walls will not be needed, because the LORD is the fiery protection of His people as He dwells in their midst. For that reason, God’s people need to return home to Him in Zion. There, He will protect them from their enemies, for they are the apple of His eye. In this reality, the people can sing and rejoice as the LORD brings more people into His holy kingdom.  Rev. James Uglum, pastor at Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church in St. Peters, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Zechariah 2:1-13.  "The Post-Exilic Prophets” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Through the preaching of these faithful men, the LORD sent His Word to His people who returned home after their exile in Babylon. Not only did the LORD encourage His people in the work of rebuilding the temple, b

On February 15, 519 BC, the word of the LORD came to Zechariah and showed him a first vision: a man riding a red horse. The messenger who leads Zechariah in this vision is the messenger of the LORD, the pre-incarnate Christ. When He reveals to Zechariah that His patrolling riders have found the earth at rest, the cry goes up before the LORD to ask how long before He has mercy on HIs people. The LORD of hosts promises that He is returning to His people with mercy. In the second vision, Zechariah sees four craftsmen who cast down the horns that have scattered God’s people. God’s enemies will not prevail. Instead, the LORD wins the victory even through seemingly weak means.  Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Zechariah 1:7-21.  "The Post-Exilic Prophets” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Through the preaching of these faithful men, the LORD sent His Word to Hi