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Sharper Iron from KFUO Radio

Religion & Spirituality Podcasts

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.

Location:

Saint Louis, MO

Description:

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.

Twitter:

@kfuoradio

Language:

English

Contact:

314-965-9000


Episodes
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1 Thessalonians 3:6-13: Good News from Timothy

12/8/2025
Timothy’s report concerning the faith and love of the Thessalonians brings joy and comfort to Paul, enlivening him for continued apostolic ministry. He returns thanks to God in his ongoing prayers for the Thessalonians in his time away from them, even as he longs to return to them. Paul commends the Thessalonians into the care of the Triune God, praying that He would continue to make the love of the Thessalonians abound and establish them in holiness to the Last Day. Rev. Ned Moerbe, pastor at Memorial Lutheran Church and School in Houston, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13. To learn more about Memorial Lutheran, visit mlchouston.org. “Yearning for the Day of Christ’s Returning” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies St. Paul’s two epistles to the Thessalonians. Although Paul's time in Thessalonica was brief, he had great affection for the Christians there. His two letters to the Thessalonians show us the joy that God gives us together in the Church and encourage us to live faithfully in expectation of Jesus’ coming on the Last Day. 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. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Duration:00:56:46

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1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5: Face to Face

12/5/2025
Paul tells the Thessalonians of his great desire to return to see them in person and notes that Satan is the one who hindered such a joyful reunion. As Paul looks forward to the Last Day, he knows that the Thessalonians are a source of great joy. That led him to send Timothy to them to check on them, even when Paul couldn’t go personally. His purpose was to help the Thessalonians remain steadfast in persecution. Still today, Satan seeks to keep Christians apart from each other, making it urgent for Christians to resist the temptation to forsake gathering together. As we come together now, we receive strength from the Lord’s Word and the fellowship of the Church to remain faithful to the end. Rev. Andy Wright, pastor at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5. To learn more about St. John's in Topeka, visit stjohnlcmstopeka.org. “Yearning for the Day of Christ’s Returning” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies St. Paul’s two epistles to the Thessalonians. Although Paul's time in Thessalonica was brief, he had great affection for the Christians there. His two letters to the Thessalonians show us the joy that God gives us together in the Church and encourage us to live faithfully in expectation of Jesus’ coming on the Last Day. 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. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Duration:00:54:39

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1 Thessalonians 2:13-16: Suffering Together

12/4/2025
Paul gives thanks for the way the Thessalonians received his preaching as the very Word of God. That Word has brought forth fruit in Thessalonica as the congregation there was joined to the rest of the Church in suffering for the sake of Christ. Paul encourages the Thessalonians to remain faithful to the Lord even in suffering, knowing that God will bring justice and vindication on the Last Day to those who oppose Him. Rev. Matt Wietfeldt, Assistant Vice President of Admissions at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16. To learn more about Concordia Theological Seminary, visit ctsfw.edu. “Yearning for the Day of Christ’s Returning” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies St. Paul’s two epistles to the Thessalonians. Although Paul's time in Thessalonica was brief, he had great affection for the Christians there. His two letters to the Thessalonians show us the joy that God gives us together in the Church and encourage us to live faithfully in expectation of Jesus’ coming on the Last Day. 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. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Duration:00:53:21

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1 Thessalonians 2:1-12: Laboring for the Gospel of God

12/3/2025
Paul reminds the Thessalonians of the time he and his companions spent there. Despite previous opposition in Philippi and persecution in Thessalonica, Paul labored diligently to bring the Gospel to the Thessalonians, not to please man, but to please God. Even as he toiled night and day, he did so with the same care and affection that parents show their children. As the Thessalonians recall the way Paul ministered to them, they are strengthened to continue to walk in a manner worthy of the Gospel. Rev. Mark Squire, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12. To learn more about Immanuel Lutheran, visit immanuelsta.org. “Yearning for the Day of Christ’s Returning” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies St. Paul’s two epistles to the Thessalonians. Although Paul's time in Thessalonica was brief, he had great affection for the Christians there. His two letters to the Thessalonians show us the joy that God gives us together in the Church and encourage us to live faithfully in expectation of Jesus’ coming on the Last Day. 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. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Duration:00:54:30

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1 Thessalonians 1:1-10: Thanksgiving for Faith, Love, and Hope

12/2/2025
Paul, Silas, and Timothy greet the church in Thessalonica in the grace and peace that comes from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. They give thanks to God for the faith, love, and hope He has given to the Thessalonians. This fruit was produced among them by the Gospel, so that they imitated the Lord Jesus and the apostles as they suffered with great joy. This set an example to Christians throughout the world, as they remembered how the Thessalonians turned away from idols to serve the living God, who has given us Jesus and saved us from the wrath to come. Rev. Jeff Hemmer, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10. To learn more about Bethany Lutheran, visit bethanylcms.org. “Yearning for the Day of Christ’s Returning” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies St. Paul’s two epistles to the Thessalonians. Although Paul's time in Thessalonica was brief, he had great affection for the Christians there. His two letters to the Thessalonians show us the joy that God gives us together in the Church and encourage us to live faithfully in expectation of Jesus’ coming on the Last Day. 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. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Duration:00:56:32

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Acts 17:1-15: Paul’s Thessalonian Fan Club

12/1/2025
Paul and Silas visited Thessalonica as a part of the 2nd Missionary Journey. As was their custom, they first went to the synagogue to preach from the Old Testament that Jesus is the Christ. Many believed, but many did not. Those that did not became jealous and caused such trouble for the Christians in Thessalonica that Paul and Silas left more quickly than they would have liked. In Berea, the Word was received with great joy, but the jealous Thessalonian Jews followed Paul and chased him away from there as well. Paul’s brief ministry among the Thessalonians sets the stage for the two letters he writes back to them only a short time later. Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 17:1-15. To learn more about Redeemer Lutheran, visit trinitylcmsvinton.org. “Yearning for the Day of Christ’s Returning” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies St. Paul’s two epistles to the Thessalonians. Although Paul's time in Thessalonica was brief, he had great affection for the Christians there. His two letters to the Thessalonians show us the joy that God gives us together in the Church and encourage us to live faithfully in expectation of Jesus’ coming on the Last Day. 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. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Duration:00:58:54

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NEW SERIES: Yearning for the Day of Christ's Returning

12/1/2025
“Yearning for the Day of Christ’s Returning” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies St. Paul’s two epistles to the Thessalonians. Although Paul's time in Thessalonica was brief, he had great affection for the Christians there. His two letters to the Thessalonians show us the joy that God gives us together in the Church and encourage us to live faithfully in expectation of Jesus’ coming on the Last Day. 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. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Duration:00:02:05

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Psalms of Thanksgiving - Psalm 136: The Refrain of Thanksgiving (Rebroadcast)

11/28/2025
The antiphonal nature of Psalm 136 is seen in the repeated second half of every verse: “His steadfast love endures forever.” This psalm helps us to give thanks to the LORD for His steadfast love shown forth in His work of creation, redemption, and His ongoing care for His people. For these reasons and more, we give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! 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 Psalm 136. "Psalms of Thanksgiving” is a series on Sharper Iron that looks to several psalms to help us give thanks to God. The LORD gives blessings to His whole creation, even all evil people. As we pray the psalms, He teaches us to receive all His gifts with thanksgiving, knowing that He is good and His steadfast love endures forever. This episode originally aired on November 25, 2024. 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. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Duration:00:52:05

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Psalms of Thanksgiving - Psalm 100: A Psalm for Giving Thanks (Rebroadcast)

11/27/2025
The superscription of Psalm 100 identifies its purpose: to lead us into thanksgiving of the one true God. We join our voices to all creation when we make a joyful noise to the LORD, not only in our daily vocations, but especially in the Divine Service. We sing to Him because He has created us and saved us as our Good Shepherd. All of the LORD’s work for us comes from the reality that He is good, and His steadfast love and faithfulness endure to all generations. Rev. Tim Storck, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Chesterfield, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 100. "Psalms of Thanksgiving” is a series on Sharper Iron that looks to several psalms to help us give thanks to God. The LORD gives blessings to His whole creation, even all evil people. As we pray the psalms, He teaches us to receive all His gifts with thanksgiving, knowing that He is good and His steadfast love endures forever. This episode originally aired on November 19, 2024. 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. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Duration:00:56:09

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LSB 895, “Now Thank We All Our God”

11/26/2025
Martin Rinckart wrote this hymn as a mealtime prayer for his children. Despite terrible suffering from war and famine, Rinckart was able to give thanks to God for His overflowing gifts. Such Christian thanksgiving is found in the heart and shows forth into the voice and hands as well. God is the One who knits us together in our mothers’ wombs, and He is the One who guides us in the way, His Son, Jesus. We pray that He would bless us bounteously, not only according to the 4th Petition, but according to all His gifts promised in the Lord’s Prayer. With the confidence of His promise, we give thanks to God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study LSB 895, “Now Thank We All Our God.” To learn more about Trinity in Vinton, visit trinitylcmsvinton.org. “Songs and Thankfulness and Praise” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies a variety of hymns of thanksgiving from Lutheran Service Book. Thanksgiving is a way of life for Christians as we realize that all gifts come from God’s fatherly love for us. In times of joy and sorrow, we return our thanks to Him for His never-ending goodness and mercy. 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. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Duration:00:55:18

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LSB 892, “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come”

11/25/2025
In this hymn, Henry Alford helps Christians to give thanks to God not only for the earthly harvests He gives in their seasons, but especially for the heavenly harvest that we long for on the Last Day. Even as we join together to thank God for the harvest of crops, we come into His presence to thank Him for bringing us into His Church through the preaching of His Word. We pray that He would make the Word fruitful in our lives now so that when He returns with His angels, we will be found in faith and gathered into His eternal storehouse. In that confidence, we pray, “Even so, Lord, come quickly!” Rev. Jared Nies, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church and School in Lapeer, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study LSB 892, “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come.” To learn more about St. Paul's in Lapeer, visit www.stpaul-lapeer.org. “Songs and Thankfulness and Praise” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies a variety of hymns of thanksgiving from Lutheran Service Book. Thanksgiving is a way of life for Christians as we realize that all gifts come from God’s fatherly love for us. In times of joy and sorrow, we return our thanks to Him for His never-ending goodness and mercy. 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. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Duration:00:50:11

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LSB 813, “Rejoice, O Pilgrim Throng”

11/24/2025
Edward Plumptre wrote this hymn as a processional hymn, inviting those who sing to consider themselves as pilgrims through this life to the eternal life in Christ’s presence. As we journey together, we sing our praises together with the whole Church, following Christ crucified as our leader. We sing with our fathers who have come before us, with saints now, and with angel choirs, toiling as the Lord’s army through the struggles of sin. We find strength knowing that our march comes to an end in the heavenly Promised Land where we will dwell with the Triune God forever. 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 LSB 813, “Rejoice, O Pilgrim Throng.” To learn more about Bethlehem and Redeemer Lutheran, visit belccrawford.org and relcharrison.org. “Songs and Thankfulness and Praise” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies a variety of hymns of thanksgiving from Lutheran Service Book. Thanksgiving is a way of life for Christians as we realize that all gifts come from God’s fatherly love for us. In times of joy and sorrow, we return our thanks to Him for His never-ending goodness and mercy. 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. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Duration:00:54:31

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LSB 797, “Praise the Almighty”

11/21/2025
In this hymn, Johann Herrnschmidt writes a metrical paraphrase of Psalm 146 and proclaims the work of Christ. The Lord is the Almighty whose holy name we adore for the entirety of our lives. Rather than trusting in mortal rulers who cannot save us from death, we trust in Christ who has conquered death for us. Those who have Christ as their help are blessed, for He helps the penitent, the weak, and the lowly with His glorious gifts. For this reason, we praise Him with the Father and Holy Spirit now and forever. Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study LSB 797, “Praise the Almighty.” To learn more about Calvary Evangelical Lutheran, visit calvarymechanicsburg.org. “Songs and Thankfulness and Praise” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies a variety of hymns of thanksgiving from Lutheran Service Book. Thanksgiving is a way of life for Christians as we realize that all gifts come from God’s fatherly love for us. In times of joy and sorrow, we return our thanks to Him for His never-ending goodness and mercy. 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. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Duration:00:54:22

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LSB 791, “All People That on Earth Do Dwell”

11/20/2025
In this hymn, William Kethe provides a metrical paraphrase of Psalm 100, in which God’s people are called to give Him thanks. Together, we make a joyful noise to God as we come before Him with cheerful voices. The Lord is our God who has created us apart from our merit and strength. The Lord is our Good Shepherd who has made us members of His flock. The Triune God does all of this because of His steadfast love, mercy, and faithfulness, and so we give Him glory now and forever. Rev. Hans Fiene, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Crestwood, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study LSB 791, “All People That on Earth Do Dwell.” To learn more about Prince of Peace, visit princeofpeacecrestwood.com. “Songs and Thankfulness and Praise” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies a variety of hymns of thanksgiving from Lutheran Service Book. Thanksgiving is a way of life for Christians as we realize that all gifts come from God’s fatherly love for us. In times of joy and sorrow, we return our thanks to Him for His never-ending goodness and mercy. 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. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Duration:00:53:46

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LSB 790, “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”

11/19/2025
Joachim Neander draws from Psalm 103 and other texts to call Christians to praise the Lord as the Almighty Creator. The Lord is the One who still reigns over all He has made, as Christians have seen time and time again. Not only has God created us with intricate care, but He also bestows good gifts and rescues us from various distresses. As we ponder all that God has done for us, we are drawn together to praise Him with all creation now and forever. Rev. Vance Becker, retired pastor and member at Trinity Lutheran Church in Garden City, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study LSB 790, “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty.” “Songs and Thankfulness and Praise” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies a variety of hymns of thanksgiving from Lutheran Service Book. Thanksgiving is a way of life for Christians as we realize that all gifts come from God’s fatherly love for us. In times of joy and sorrow, we return our thanks to Him for His never-ending goodness and mercy. 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. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Duration:00:43:37

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LSB 754, “Entrust Your Days and Burdens”

11/18/2025
Paul Gerhardt wrote this hymn as an acrostic poem using the words of Psalm 37:5. He encourages Christians to entrust all their burdens to the true God. Because He created and sustains all things, we can rely on Him to guide us and call out to Him in prayer, trusting His love. Through trials, we continue to trust in Him, awaiting His time with patience. We know that He will keep His promise, as He has done in the cross of Jesus. As we confidently look forward to the eternal home we have with Jesus, He strengthens us to life faithfully. The Hon. Rev. Scott Kerns, pastor at Faith Lutheran Church in Easton, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study LSB 754, “Entrust Your Days and Burdens.” To learn more about Faith Lutheran, visit faithlcms.com. “Songs and Thankfulness and Praise” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies a variety of hymns of thanksgiving from Lutheran Service Book. Thanksgiving is a way of life for Christians as we realize that all gifts come from God’s fatherly love for us. In times of joy and sorrow, we return our thanks to Him for His never-ending goodness and mercy. 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. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Duration:00:53:26

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Songs of Thankfulness and Praise - LSB 737, “Rejoice, My Heart, Be Glad and Sing”

11/17/2025
In this text from Paul Gerhardt, each Christian encourages himself to rejoice and maintain a cheerful trust in God for all things. He is our portion and treasure so that despair need not overwhelm us. As He has cared for us our whole lives long, so He will continue to care for us. His discipline comes from His love for us, the same love that has forgiven our sins in Christ. Therefore, we trust His guiding love to lead us home to Him. Rev. Charles St-Onge, missionary pastor at Ascension Lutheran Church in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, through the Office of National Mission for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study LSB 737, “Rejoice, My Heart, Be Glad and Sing.” “Songs and Thankfulness and Praise” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies a variety of hymns of thanksgiving from Lutheran Service Book. Thanksgiving is a way of life for Christians as we realize that all gifts come from God’s fatherly love for us. In times of joy and sorrow, we return our thanks to Him for His never-ending goodness and mercy. 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. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Duration:00:53:31

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NEW SERIES: Songs of Thankfulness and Praise

11/17/2025
“Songs and Thankfulness and Praise” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies a variety of hymns of thanksgiving from Lutheran Service Book. Thanksgiving is a way of life for Christians as we realize that all gifts come from God’s fatherly love for us. In times of joy and sorrow, we return our thanks to Him for His never-ending goodness and mercy. 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. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Duration:00:02:22

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Philemon 1-25: A Letter of Pastoral Care

11/14/2025
When Philemon, a prominent member of the Christian congregation in Colossae, needs pastoral care, St. Paul writes to him in humility. The Apostle gives thanks for the fruit of faith that Philemon has brought forth and appeals to Philemon to bring forth that same fruit now toward his runaway slave, Onesimus. St. Paul reminds Philemon that Onesimus is now a fellow brother in Christ who has been useful to St. Paul while in prison and now will be the same to Philemon when Onesimus returns. St. Paul imitates the example of Christ in promising to pay any debt on behalf of Onesimus, even as the Apostle expresses confidence that Philemon will receive Onesimus in Christian love. Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Atchison, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Philemon 1-25. To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinityatchison.org. “Letters from Prison” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Even when Paul was imprisoned for the sake of Christ, the Word of God remained unbound. The apostle’s letters from prison still fill us with the same joy that his chains could never silence. 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. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Duration:00:51:08

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Colossians 4:2-18: Connected in Christ

11/13/2025
As the Apostle Paul began his letter to the Colossians by speaking of his prayers for them, so he concludes his letter by asking the Colossians to pray for him. Their prayers should be steadfast in thanksgiving and ask God to open the door for Paul to preach the Word, even though he is currently in prison. The Word of God that Christians speak is true and gracious, and Christians look for opportunities to speak in the wisdom God provides. Before St. Paul finishes his letter, he extends greetings from a variety of his fellow workers, revealing the glorious connections that believers have to each other in Christ. Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church and School in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Colossians 4:2-18. To learn more about St. Paul's, visit stpaulscullman.com. “Letters from Prison” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Even when Paul was imprisoned for the sake of Christ, the Word of God remained unbound. The apostle’s letters from prison still fill us with the same joy that his chains could never silence. 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. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Duration:00:53:47