Jesus promises His disciples that as they confess Him before the world, He will confess them before His Father in heaven. The disciples must know that this will bring division even within their own families, and they must bear this division as carrying a cross while following Jesus. To lose their lives for His sake will be to truly keep their lives eternally. Those who receive the disciples are actually receiving Jesus and the Father who sent Him. This strengthens the disciples as they go out proclaiming the kingdom of God.

Rev. Dr. Scott Murray, pastor emeritus in Houston, TX and Third Vice President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 10:32-42.

“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.

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. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]

Jesus prepares His disciples for the opposition they will face as they go out proclaiming God’s kingdom. However, the Holy Spirit will give them words to speak as they endure to the end. The hostility the disciples face should be unsurprising since their Lord faced the same. This will give the disciples courage to proclaim the Word of God openly. As they rightly fear God, their other fears will be taken away, for this same God is their heavenly Father who loves His people.

Rev. Sean Smith, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Clarksville, TN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 10:16-31.

To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit glctn.org.

“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.

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. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]

Jesus sends His twelve first, not to the Gentiles or Samaritans, but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. These lost sheep need to hear the message that both John and Jesus have preached: “The kingdom of heaven is at hand!” God’s reign as King brings healing from sickness and rescue from demons among those who hear the Twelve’s message. God’s reign as King will provide for the Twelve as they go, as He provides for their physical needs through the generosity of those who hear and believe. Those who believe the Word will receive peace from God, but those who do not believe are warned that the Day of Judgment is coming as it once came for notoriously wicked places.

Rev. Tim Sandeno, missionary church planter to Spangdahlem, Germany, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 10:5-15.

“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.

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. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]

Jesus continues to bring God’s kingdom by teaching, preaching, and healing. He does not see the crowds with anger, but with compassion, for He has come as the Good Shepherd for sinners. In that compassion, Jesus tells His disciples to pray that the Lord would send laborers to work in His plentiful harvest. In answer to that prayer, He sends His twelve apostles with His authority to preach and to heal.

Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Oakmont, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 9:35-10:4.

To learn more about Redeemer Lutheran in Oakmont, visit redeemer-oakmont.org.

“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.

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. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]

A ruler comes to Jesus, asking Him to lay His hand on the ruler’s dead daughter to give her life again. As Jesus goes, He gives cleansing life to another daughter whose issue of blood has made her unclean. As Jesus’ touch brings life to this woman, so His touch brings life to the girl who has died. After leaving the house, two blind men cry out to Jesus for mercy. With faith in Jesus as the Son of David, they receive the gift of sight from the Lord. Soon, people bring a demon-oppressed man to Jesus, and He casts out the demon and makes the man speak once more. While this leads the crowds to astonishment, the Pharisees are convinced that Jesus is working in league with the devil.

Rev. Dr. Daniel Brege, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church—Preble, near Decatur, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 9:18-34.

To learn more about St. Paul Lutheran Church—Preble, visit stpaulpreble.org.

“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.

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. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]

While Matthew is at the tax booth, Jesus goes to him and speaks an authoritative Word: “Follow Me!” That Word accomplishes Jesus’ will of making Matthew a disciple. When the Pharisees question Jesus’ association with such notorious sinners, Jesus calls them to learn that He has come precisely to call those sick with sin to receive His healing. That joyful ministry is not an occasion for fasting, but for feasting. Jesus is the new wine who cannot be shoved into any manmade wisdom.

Rev. Sam Beltz, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Oskaloosa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 9:9-17.

To learn more about St. John in Oskaloosa, visit stjohnosky.org.

“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.

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. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]

Back in Capernaum, some men bring to Jesus their paralytic friend on his bed. Jesus sees their faith and speaks comforting words of forgiveness to the man. When the scribes consider this blasphemy, Jesus sees their thoughts and corrects them. He uses His authoritative word to make the paralytic walk, and in so doing, He shows that His Word also has authority to forgive sins. The crowds rightly glorify God for bringing this authority over sin among them.

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 Matthew 9:1-8.

To learn more about Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, visit dakotaranch.org.

“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.

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. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]

Jesus has commanded that He will go to the other side of the sea, and so He falls asleep in the boat as the disciples take Him across. The great storm that arises causes the disciples to forget the Lord’s promise, so they cry out to Him in fear. Jesus rebukes their fear before rebuking the winds and the sea. By this action, He clearly shows that He is God. On the other side of the sea, two demon-possessed men confront Jesus. Even though the enemy is powerful, the demons are no match for Jesus as He sends them into a herd of pigs that spells the demons’ doom. The great display of power brings only fear, not faith, to the people of the region.

Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Atchison, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 8:23-34.

To learn more about Trinity in Atchison, visit trinityatchison.org.

“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.

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. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]

When Jesus enters Peter’s house in Capernaum, He heals Peter’s mother-in-law, and she begins to serve Him. As Jesus continues His ministry of healing, He fulfills the promise of the Lord from Isaiah 53, bearing our sicknesses. When Jesus commands that He will be going to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, a scribe declares that he will follow Jesus wherever He goes. Jesus warns the man that to follow Him is to journey the way of the cross. When a disciple tarries, the Lord gives instruction concerning the urgency of following Him.

Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church and School in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 8:14-22.

To learn more about St. Paul's in Cullman, visit stpaulscullman.com.

“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.

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. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]

Having finished His teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus descends as crowds follow Him. A leper emerges and cries out for cleansing, which Jesus gives in His good will. In touching the leper, Jesus does not become unclean; instead, His cleansing flows to the leper. After Jesus enters Capernaum, a centurion approaches Jesus for healing for his servant. The centurion knows the authority of Jesus’ Word and so does not even ask Jesus to enter his house. Jesus marvels at the centurion’s faith and gives according to that faith.

Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 8:1-13.

To learn more about Trinity in Colby, visit trinitycolby.org.

“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.

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. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]