Sharper Iron from KFUO Radio

Perhaps incorrectly inspired by his dream of a statue, Nebuchadnezzar builds an enormous golden statue. He issues a decree that all people must bow down to worship it at the sound of any music. The penalty for disobedience is death in a fiery furnace. Some of the king’s pagan advisors, jealous of the high standing of the Judean exiles Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego, bring accusations against these men’s faithfulness to the LORD. When Nebuchadnezzar threatens them with death, they make the good confession that their God is the only one to be worshiped. Even though Nebuchadnezzar heats the furnace seven times hotter than usual, the LORD delivers the three young men. Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Daniel 3:1-30. "God’s Kingdom Endures Forever” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Daniel. Although God’s people were exiled in Babylon, the LORD remained the true King. He strengthened His people for faithful confession in the face of idolatry, and through prophetic visions and dreams revealed that He would establish His everlasting Kingdom. This points to Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, who reigns over us and all creation.

Nebuchadnezzar has a troubling dream that he commands his pagan advisors to both tell him and interpret for him. When they admit that they cannot, he is prepared to execute them all. Daniel intercedes on their behalf and prays, along with his three friends, that the LORD will make the matter known. The LORD answers their prayer, and Daniel gives the credit entirely to God as he tells Nebuchadnezzar both the dream and its interpretation. The statue made of different materials stands for the coming kingdoms of men, starting with Babylon and going through history to Rome. The stone that breaks the statue to pieces is the coming kingdom of God, which will be established forever. Rev. Jeffrey Ries, pastor at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tacoma, WA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Daniel 2:1-49. "God’s Kingdom Endures Forever” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Daniel. Although God’s people were exiled in Babylon, the LORD remained the true King. He strengthened His people for faithful confession in the face of idolatry, and through prophetic visions and dreams revealed that He would establish His everlasting Kingdom. This points to Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, who reigns over us and all creation.

The book of Daniel begins in 605 BC with the first exiles Nebuchadnezzar took from Judah to Babylon. These initial exiles were from the upper echelons of Judean society, in a Babylonian effort to begin to assimilate the people under their culture and religion. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were four young men brought into the king’s palace as a part of this attempt. Although they were assigned Babylonian names, they refused to compromise to false religion in the king’s court. The LORD blessed their faithfulness before the king, showing Himself to be the true God before Nebuchadnezzar and all his pagan advisors. Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Daniel 1:1-21. "God’s Kingdom Endures Forever” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Daniel. Although God’s people were exiled in Babylon, the LORD remained the true King. He strengthened His people for faithful confession in the face of idolatry, and through prophetic visions and dreams revealed that He would establish His everlasting Kingdom. This points to Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, who reigns over us and all creation.

"God’s Kingdom Endures Forever” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Daniel. Although God’s people were exiled in Babylon, the LORD remained the true King. He strengthened His people for faithful confession in the face of idolatry, and through prophetic visions and dreams revealed that He would establish His everlasting Kingdom. This points to Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, who reigns over us and all creation. 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 prophet Isaiah’s vision is brought to glorious fulfillment as he describes Judgment Day. On that Day, the LORD’s fire will burn against those who have refused His gifts and turned to the foolishness of idolatry. Both idolatry and idolaters will meet their end. In this way, the LORD gives security and peace to His people. As He gathers the nations, He places the sign of the death and resurrection to call people from every language to Himself. He sends His remnant to proclaim this message so that people from even the ends of the earth will be made a part of His people. Those who hear and believe will remain forever in the new heavens and the new earth; those who refuse the LORD’s Word will be cast into the outer darkness in His perfect justice. For all who hear and read Isaiah’s words today, the message is simple: “Repent and believe in the Gospel today!” Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, pastor and evangelist at Trinity Lutheran Church in Denver, CO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 66:15-24. "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 40-66. Though Isaiah lived one hundred years beforehand, he writes to the people of God in exile in Babylon to assure them that their God reigns and will rescue them through the work of His servant. These promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose work Isaiah proclaims vividly seven hundred years beforehand.

Isaiah speaks in a riddle: a child is born before the labor pains begin! In this way, He describes the sudden blessing of the LORD upon His people, as He gives children to Mother Zion. This blessing comes through the male Child promised here and earlier in Isaiah and fulfilled in the birth of Jesus in the New Testament. The LORD has brought His people this far, and He will surely bring His work to completion. The LORD nurtures His people through the preaching of His Word in His Church, so that she receives peace and comfort from His hand. Rev. Ben Dose, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Arcadia, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 66:7-14. "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 40-66. Though Isaiah lived one hundred years beforehand, he writes to the people of God in exile in Babylon to assure them that their God reigns and will rescue them through the work of His servant. These promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose work Isaiah proclaims vividly seven hundred years beforehand.

The LORD confronts His people with the reality that He is the Creator of all things and of the new heavens and new earth. Rather than seeing their worship as something that they must do for Him (for He needs nothing from them), they must come before Him in humility, contrition, and trembling at His Word, which He speaks as His gift to them. Those who come before the LORD in self-chosen ways, engaging in hypocritical or syncretistic worship, will receive only condemnation from the LORD. Those who come before the LORD according to the ways of His choosing, however, will receive vindication from Him, even if they are mocked and ridiculed now. Rev. Doug Minton, pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 66:1-6. "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 40-66. Though Isaiah lived one hundred years beforehand, he writes to the people of God in exile in Babylon to assure them that their God reigns and will rescue them through the work of His servant. These promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose work Isaiah proclaims vividly seven hundred years beforehand.

Using the same language as He did in Genesis 1, the LORD speaks about His creation of the new heavens and the new earth, which will bring great joy to His people. Here, He will give to them eternal life and fruitful labor, and no enemies will harm them. He will dwell with them to hear their prayers, and all creation will live at peace in the LORD’s holy mountain. The New Testament teaches that already now, we experience these blessings in the holy Christian Church, even as we wait for the fullness yet to come in the resurrection of the body on the Last Day. Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 65:17-25. "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 40-66. Though Isaiah lived one hundred years beforehand, he writes to the people of God in exile in Babylon to assure them that their God reigns and will rescue them through the work of His servant. These promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose work Isaiah proclaims vividly seven hundred years beforehand.

In this beautiful hymn written especially for the 2nd Sunday of Easter, John of Damascus proclaims that the rescue that God gave to Israel through the Exodus has been fulfilled in the rescue God has given to us through the resurrection of Jesus. The winter of sin and death has come to an end; new life has risen in Christ. For this reason, the faithful join together to sing the praises of the Lord Jesus as they gather to receive from Him the precious feast of HIs Supper. This brings the same peace to us today as the Lord once gave to His disciples in the locked room where they were hidden in fear. In that peace, we sing our “Alleluias” to our immortal King eternally. Find this hymn at hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/487. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Lutheran Service Book #487, “Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain.” 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.

The LORD responds to His people’s prayer by reminding them that He was ready for them to seek and find Him in the ways that He had chosen to reveal Himself to them. Even as He spread His hands out to them, they engaged in all kinds of idolatrous practices that made them smoke in His nostrils. To His servants who respond to this rebuke in repentance, the LORD promises that He will be faithful to His remnant. To the wicked who continue to see after the LORD in their self-chosen ways, however, the LORD reveals that they never knew Him or listened to Him at all; they shall be put to shame. Nonetheless, the LORD will be faithful to His servants; they receive His blessing through faith in the Servant, His Son, Jesus Christ. Rev. Shawn Linnell, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blair, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 65:1-16. "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 40-66. Though Isaiah lived one hundred years beforehand, he writes to the people of God in exile in Babylon to assure them that their God reigns and will rescue them through the work of His servant. These promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose work Isaiah proclaims vividly seven hundred years beforehand.

Isaiah leads the people of Israel in prayer, lament, and confession before the LORD. They call upon the LORD as their Father, asking Him to see them as His children, even though they have strayed. They acknowledge that He has sent them into exile and made them as those who are not called upon His name. Still, they pray that He would tear open the clouds and come down as He did at Mount Sinai. His awesome deeds, so unexpected to human wisdom, reveal Him to be the only true God, especially in the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The people pray to Him in confession of their complete sinfulness, throwing themselves upon His merciful goodness. Though the text ends with a question, the lament still leaves the people in hope, knowing that the LORD is a gracious Father. Rev. Joel Haak, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Fraser, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 63:15-64:12. "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 40-66. Though Isaiah lived one hundred years beforehand, he writes to the people of God in exile in Babylon to assure them that their God reigns and will rescue them through the work of His servant. These promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose work Isaiah proclaims vividly seven hundred years beforehand.

In Matthew 18 and Luke 15, Jesus speaks a parable about a man who owns one hundred sheep, and one becomes lost. In love for that one sheep, the shepherd seeks it out and brings it back to the flock with great joy. By this parable, Jesus teaches us the great love that He has for us sinners. He calls us to see ourselves as the lost sheep that He seeks and finds through repentance and forgiveness of sins in His name. He calls us into His joy in this salvation, both the joy of being saved ourselves and the joy of being with all those sinners whom Christ brings into His Church. Rev. Matt Ulmer, pastor at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church—Friedheim, just outside Decatur, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep in Matthew 18:12-14 and Luke 15:1-7. Learn more about Sharathon 2024 and give now at kfuo.org/sharathon. 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.

Psalm 100 is a psalm for giving thanks for the ongoing reign of the LORD. Because He is the true King, His people join with all creation in the song of His victory. His people are called into His presence with gladness and singing, both in the Divine Service and in their daily vocations. We know Him because He has first known us, for He is the Good Shepherd who has made us members of His holy flock. As we enter His presence, we bless His name for His faithfulness that endures forever. Rev. Andrew Belt, pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Marshfield, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 100. Learn more about Sharathon 2024 and give now at kfuo.org/sharathon. 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.

C.F.W. Walther’s marvelous Easter hymn invites all people to join in the praises of Christ Jesus the Lord. By His resurrection, the Word of God made flesh has freed us from the prison of sin, death, and the devil. Though the evil one and all his evil host cheered to see Jesus dead and buried, their shouts of triumph were quickly silenced by the risen Lord. His resurrection means the defeat of sin, death, and the devil, so that we no longer need to fear these enemies. Jesus has welcomed us into the eternal presence of God by His atoning blood, and so our praises of Him resound with those of the heavenly host and all creation for all eternity. Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Lutheran Service Book #480, “He’s Risen, He’s Risen.” 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.

The prophet sees a Mighty Warrior coming; He identifies Himself as the LORD. The prophet has questions concerning the Warrior’s stained garments; the LORD says that they are red from the blood of His enemies, whom He has conquered on the day of His vengeance for the year of His favor. Upon seeing the LORD in this way, Isaiah leads the people in praising the LORD by proclaiming His deeds of old, especially from the Exodus. Even though His people rebelled against Him, and He became their enemy for a time, the LORD remembered His promises. For the sake of making His everlasting name glorious, He brought salvation to His people. Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 63:1-14. "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 40-66. Though Isaiah lived one hundred years beforehand, he writes to the people of God in exile in Babylon to assure them that their God reigns and will rescue them through the work of His servant. These promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose work Isaiah proclaims vividly seven hundred years beforehand.

The LORD promises to speak for the sake of His beloved people to bring them His righteousness and salvation. Nations will see this light and come to the people of God, who are His crowning jewel. Though their sin and idolatry had left them forsaken and desolate, the LORD bestows the names “My Delight Is in Her” and “Married” upon His people now because of His gracious action on their behalf. As the LORD is not silent, so His watchmen and His people are not silent, proclaiming His Word and calling upon Him in prayer. The LORD hears and answers, bestowing more names upon His people: “The Holy People,” “The Redeemed of the LORD,” “Sought Out,” and “A City Not Forsaken.” 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 Isaiah 62:1-12. "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 40-66. Though Isaiah lived one hundred years beforehand, he writes to the people of God in exile in Babylon to assure them that their God reigns and will rescue them through the work of His servant. These promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose work Isaiah proclaims vividly seven hundred years beforehand.

The Servant of the LORD speaks as the One anointed by the Spirit. He comes to preach good news, to comfort, and to give God’s good gifts. Through the work of the LORD’s Servant, His people are established securely in righteousness. No longer will they be found in shame, but they will serve the LORD according to His Word. The people of God rejoice exceedingly because He has clothed them with His own righteousness. Through the Lord Jesus Christ, these promises are fulfilled. Rev. Tim Koch, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Linn, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 61:1-11. "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 40-66. Though Isaiah lived one hundred years beforehand, he writes to the people of God in exile in Babylon to assure them that their God reigns and will rescue them through the work of His servant. These promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose work Isaiah proclaims vividly seven hundred years beforehand.

Because the LORD has caused His glory to come to His people, they rise and shine so that nations are drawn to worship the LORD. All the wealth of the world is put into the service of the LORD as He calls sinners to His salvation because He loves people as His treasured possession. The safety of the LORD’s kingdom is complete; no enemy shall threaten His people. The abundance of the LORD’s kingdom is overwhelming; His people will lack no good thing. The light of the LORD’s kingdom is glorious; He Himself will be their Light. Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 60:1-22. "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 40-66. Though Isaiah lived one hundred years beforehand, he writes to the people of God in exile in Babylon to assure them that their God reigns and will rescue them through the work of His servant. These promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose work Isaiah proclaims vividly seven hundred years beforehand.

Paul Gerhardt’s Easter hymn fits perfectly as the first words sung by Christians gathered for an Easter sunrise service. The reality of the empty tomb on Easter banishes sadness and fills us with gladness. Though the foe thought he had won the victory when Jesus lay dead and buried, in fact, the Savior has routed his enemy. Jesus’ complete victory over all enemies—sin, death, and devil—is comfort and joy for all those who trust in Him. Jesus is the Mighty Warrior who has given His victory to us. Even in death, we know that we have eternal life in the Crucified and Risen One who will raise us on the Last Day. Find this hymn at hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/467. Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Lutheran Service Book #467, “Awake, My Heart, with Gladness.” 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. Lutheran Service Book 467 1 Awake, my heart, with gladness, See what today is done; Now, after gloom and sadness, Comes forth the glorious sun. My Savior there was laid Where our bed must be made When to the realms of light Our spirit wings its flight. 2 The foe in triumph shouted When Christ lay in the tomb; But lo, he now is routed, His boast is turned to gloom. For Christ again is free; In glorious victory He who is strong to save Has triumphed o'er the grave. 3 This is a sight that gladdens-- What peace it doth impart! Now nothing ever saddens The joy within my heart. No gloom shall ever shake, No foe shall ever take The hope which God's own Son In love for me hath won. 4 Now hell, its prince, the devil, Of all their pow'r are shorn; Now I am safe from evil, And sin I laugh to scorn. Grim death with all his might Cannot my soul affright; It is a pow'rless form, Howe'er it rave and storm. 5 The world against me rages, Its fury I disdain; Though bitter war it wages, Its work is all in vain. My heart from care is free, No trouble troubles me. Misfortune now is play, And night is bright as day. 6 Now I will cling forever To Christ, my Savior true; My Lord will leave me never, Whate'er He passes through. He rends death's iron chain; He breaks through sin and pain; He shatters hell's dark thrall; I follow Him through all. 7 He brings me to the portal That leads to bliss untold, Whereon this rhyme immortal Is found in script of gold: "Who there My cross has shared Finds here a crown prepared; Who there with Me has died Shall here be glorified." Text Information First Line: Awake, my heart, with gladness Title: Awake, My Heart, with Gladness Author: Paul Gerhardt, 1607-76 Translator: John Kelly, 1833-90 (alt. ) Meter: 76 76 66 66 Language: English Publication Date: 2006 Scripture: Colossians 2:15; Romans 8:35-39; Genesis 3:15; Romans 6:4 Tune Information Name: AUF, AUF, MEIN HERZ Composer: Johann Crüger, 1598-1662 Meter: 76 76 66 66 Key: D Major Source: Lutheran Service Book, 2006 (Setting) Copyright: Setting © 2006, Concordia Publishing House Find this hymn at hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/467.

The LORD tells His people with vivid imagery that they have separated themselves from Him. He speaks of their defilement in their words and actions. He condemns their deceitful plots and plans. In response, the people confess their rebellion, their idolatry, and their complete lack of justice and righteousness, and they throw themselves upon God’s mercy. The LORD knows that no one else can serve as Intercessor and Redeemer, so He Himself comes to bring His righteousness and salvation. In Christ, the LORD has kept His promise and given to us His Spirit and His Word as an everlasting covenant with us. Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 59:1-21. "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 40-66. Though Isaiah lived one hundred years beforehand, he writes to the people of God in exile in Babylon to assure them that their God reigns and will rescue them through the work of His servant. These promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose work Isaiah proclaims vividly seven hundred years beforehand.