Sharper Iron from KFUO Radio

The LORD does not give the serpent a chance to speak. Instead, the LORD quickly speaks concerning the defeat of the devil at the hands of the Offspring of the woman. This Savior will be the Wounded Victor. As God's people wait for the Savior to come, both woman and man will experience the brokenness they have brought into the world because of their sin. Still, Adam and Eve believe the LORD's promise. He clothes them in animal skins as He drives them from the Garden, barring the way to return to the tree of life, yet setting the stage for the rest of the story by which He will bring them back into His presence. Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 3:14-24. To learn more about Glory of Christ, visit gloryofchrist.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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

Out of God’s good order described in Genesis 2, the devil begins to work disorder in Genesis 3. He cunningly tempts the woman to question God’s Word before blatantly claiming that God’s Word is evil and false. Although the woman initially recalls God’s Word, she is deceived into believing the devil’s lie, and her husband shockingly sins right along with her. The effects are disastrous, but the LORD God is quick with His mercy. He calls His children to repentance, and He promises that He will send the Offspring of the woman to suffer for His people and so defeat sin, death, and devil. Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 3:1-15. To learn more about St. Paul's in Paducah, visit stpaulpaducah.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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

The LORD says that it is not good for the man to be alone, indicating that His work of creation is not yet complete. Although Adam relates perfectly to all the animals the LORD brings before him, none of these can be the suitable helper for Adam. This helper must be the LORD's unique gift to Adam, fashioned by the LORD from Adam's own side. When Adam sees his wife, he rejoices with singing. Moses notes that this is the LORD's institution of marriage, a good gift from God before the fall into sin. Rev. Martin Dressler, pastor at Salem Lutheran Church in Black Jack, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 2:18-25. To learn more about Salem Lutheran, visit salembjmo.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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

The Holy Spirit leads Moses to zoom into the account of the sixth day of creation in Genesis 2. In creating the man, the LORD does something unique. He forms dust of the ground into a man and breathes life into him. The LORD places the man into the Garden of Eden, which is a true paradise for Adam. All the gifts that sustain life are present for the man in Eden, even as the LORD grants to him the joy of work. The Word that the LORD speaks to Adam concerning which tree's fruit must not be eaten is a good Word that provides Adam the gift of worship in the Garden. Rev. Andy Jagow, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 2:4-17. To learn more about Bethany Lutheran, visit bethany-lcms.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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

On the sixth day, God created all the land animals before crowning His work by creating humanity. God's creation of male and female is deliberate, as He creates the man and the woman in His image to exercise dominion over the rest of creation. God blesses humanity to be fruitful and fill the earth, giving them to eat the fruit of the trees. In all of this, God's creation is very good, so that He finishes His work of creation on the seventh day, giving it as a holy day of rest for the man and woman. Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 1:24-2:3. To learn more about Holy Cross, visit holycrosswarda.com. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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

As God continues His creation, He does the work both of separating and filling. He separates the waters above from the waters below on the second day, and He separates the dry land and the seas on the third day. God fills the light and darkness from day one with the sun, moon, and stars on day four. God fills the expanse of day two with flying creatures on day five, and He fills the waters of day three with swimming creatures on day five. Throughout the account, God shows that He alone is the true God as He prepares His creation as a dwelling place for humanity. 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 Genesis 1:6-23. To learn more about St. Peter and Zion Lutheran churches, visit stpeterzion.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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

The opening verses of the Bible lay forth the reality that the one true God is the Creator of all creation. Seen through the full revelation of the Holy Scriptures, these verses reveal the true God to be the Triune God. His Word does what He says as He creates light and darkness on the first day, which the context indicates to be a normal, twenty-four hour period of evening and morning. God sees that His creation is good; everything is just as He intends. Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 1:1-5. To learn more about Trinity in Millstadt, visit trinitymillstadt.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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

You can’t understand any story without understanding its beginning, and so you can’t understand the Bible without understanding Genesis. The LORD sets the tone for all of history in the first book of Moses. As the only God, He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. When humanity brings sin and death into His good creation, God does not leave His creation without hope, but He promises that the Offspring of the woman will come as the Wounded Victor. The cycle of sin, judgment, and grace that repeats throughout the book of Genesis propels the narrative forward toward the coming of Jesus. Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing serves at Concordia University in St. Paul, MN as professor of theology, the Director of the Center for Biblical Studies, and the Director of the Pre-Seminary Program. He also serves as associate pastor at Cross View Lutheran Church in Edina, MN. He joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to introduce the book of Genesis. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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

“In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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

St. Paul encourages the Thessalonians to continue in good works without growing tired. Those who do not listen to St. Paul’s instruction must be warned as brothers, in order that their shame might lead to repentance and renewed faith. Before St. Paul finishes, he signs his letter with his own hand and blesses the Thessalonians with the peace and grace of the Lord. Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Thessalonians 3:13-18. To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit gracebrenham.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

As St. Paul begins to conclude his second letter to the Thessalonians, he encourages them to pray for the ongoing missionary work that he and his companions are doing. The Lord is faithful, and the apostle knows that the Lord’s Word will bear good fruit. In that confidence, he commands the Thessalonians to continue to work diligently to receive their living, just as he had done while among them. This is God’s gift, that Christians would work quietly and so receive their daily bread from Him. Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Thessalonians 3:1-12. To learn more about St. Matthew Lutheran, visit GraceFaithLove.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

St. Paul thanks God that the Thessalonians are not among those deceived by the devil. God has made them brothers in the Church by choosing them from the beginning for salvation. This has happened through the work of the Spirit in the means of grace. The apostle thus urges the Thessalonians to stand firm in this tradition. Paul prays in confidence that God will comfort and establish the Thessalonians in His grace for every good work and word. Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17. To learn more about Trinity in Ottumwa, visit trinitylutheranottumwa.com. “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

St. Paul turns the Thessalonians’ attention to the right teaching concerning the coming of the Lord Jesus. The apostle does not want his beloved congregation to be deceived by any source, and so he warns them concerning the coming of the man of lawlessness, who will attempt to usurp the place of Christ in the Church. Such a spirit of rebellion is already at work, but St. Paul urges confidence on the part of the Church by proclaiming Christ’s victory over this lawless one by the Word. The lawless one works by the activity of the devil, and those who refuse the truth will be condemned by their unbelief. This strong warning encourages Christians to cling to the truth of God’s Word as we look for the Lord’s return. Rev. David Boisclair, pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12. To learn more about Our Redeemer Lutheran, visit www.ourredeemerstl.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

St. Paul and his companions begin the second letter to the Thessalonians in grace and peace from the one true God. It is right for them to be thankful for this Christian congregation because their faith is growing and their love is increasing. This remains true even as they endure persecution and affliction for the sake of Christ. The apostle assures the Thessalonians that this does not mean that they have been separated from God’s kingdom, but instead, they are counted among the members of God’s kingdom. Together, they are waiting for the revealing of the Lord Jesus and His judgment upon all those who do not obey the Gospel. St. Paul thus prays for the Thessalonians, that God would keep them faithful and Jesus would be glorified in them. Rev. Samuel Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12. To learn more about Bethlehem in Ossian, visit bethlehemossian.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

St. Paul concludes his first letter to the Thessalonians by commending them to the God of peace, who alone makes His people holy until the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Just as conversion to the Christian faith is God’s work, so is keeping us in the Christian faith God’s work, and St. Paul expresses confidence that God will do this for the Thessalonians. He asks the Thessalonians to pray for him and his team and to bring his affectionate greetings to the congregation. St. Paul expects his letter to be read by the Thessalonians as the Word of God, and he concludes with God’s saving grace. Rev. Matt Ulmer, pastor at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church--Friedheim, just outside Decatur, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28. To learn more about Zion in Friedheim, visit zionfriedheim.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

St. Paul gives further instructions to his brothers in Christ in Thessalonica as to what their lives should look like as Christians waiting for the Last Day. Hearers respect and esteem their pastors as those men work diligently to proclaim the Gospel. Peace reigns in the congregation as those who are weak and faint are treated with patience. Forgiveness trumps vengeance. Joy, prayer, and thanksgiving abound. All of these gifts characterize Christian congregations as the Holy Spirit accomplishes His will for the Church through the word of Jesus Christ. Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22. To learn more about Immanuel in Roswell, visit immanuelroswell.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

St. Paul reminds the Thessalonians about the coming day of the Lord. No one knows the date. Christ’s return will be sudden, and those who have sought security apart from Him will go to destruction. Christians, however, do not live in that darkness. Christ has called us into His light, and so we live in alert, wakeful sobriety produced by attention to the Lord’s Word. His gifts of faith, love, and hope protect us from the devil’s attacks, as God fulfills His will of bringing us to His gift of eternal salvation. Rev. Nate Hill, pastor at St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Winchester, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11. To learn more about St. Michael's Lutheran, visit stmichaelswinchester.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

St. Paul teaches concerning the resurrection of the body so that the Thessalonians will be able to mourn with hope for those who have fallen asleep in Christ. The foundation of this certainty is the death and resurrection of Jesus, through whom God will raise the dead. The apostolic teaching on the matter comes from the Lord Himself who will return visibly and publicly on the Last Day. On that Day, those who have already died will not be forgotten, but raised to life before those who are alive at the time meet the Lord together in the air. In this way, the Church will always be with the Lord, and through these words, the Church encourages its members as we wait for that glorious Day. Rev. Jeremy Swem, pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in Grand Rapids, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. To learn more about Our Savior in Grand Rapids, visit oursavior-gr.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

St. Paul commends the Thessalonians to continued brotherly love for each other, as they have already been taught through the Word of God. Such love should be expressed more and more not only in their local congregation, but throughout their region. In so doing, the Christian goal is not pride, but rather quiet and diligent work in service of the neighbor. This both follows the example that Paul set and gives a truthful witness to those who are outside the church. Rev. Andrew Belt, pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Marshfield, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12. To learn more about Christ Lutheran Church, visit christmarshfield.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

St. Paul encourages the Thessalonians to abound more and more in the way that they are walking according to the word of God. His will for their lives is holiness, which He gives to His people. Such holiness manifests itself in the lives of Christians through chastity, purity, and self-control. Because we know God, we do not live as the pagans do. Instead, we live according to His call through the Gospel. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8. To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit graceelgin.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