Sharper Iron from KFUO Radio

Jesus tells a parable that illustrates what it means for His Church to always watch for the unknown day and hour of His return. He tells a story of ten virgins whose role is to greet the bridegroom's arrival. Five are wise by having oil to keep their lamps lit when the bridegroom arrives later than they had anticipated. Five are foolish, for their lack of oil leaves them far away when the bridegroom enters his feast. With the door locked, it is now too late for these foolish ones to enter. By this parable, Jesus teaches His Church that constant readiness for His return comes through the wisdom of hearing, believing, and putting into practice His Words. When we approach the Last Day through this faith by grace, that Day is a Day of great joy!

Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 25:1-13.

To learn more about Redeemer Lutheran, visit Redeemer-Lawrence.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]

After answering the disciples' first question concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, Jesus now turns to answer the disciples' second question concerning His coming in glory. Jesus is direct. No one knows the day or the hour. Those who attempt to predict the date reveal themselves to be false teachers. Instead, Jesus compares His second coming to the suddenness of the flood in the days of Noah. Thus, Jesus calls all men to watch and be ready through faith. As we watch for our Lord's return, He teaches us to live with wisdom as His faithful servants. In this way, we approach the Last Day not with the terror of unbelief but with the joy of faith.

Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Village Lutheran Church in Ladue, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 24:36-51.

To learn more about Village Lutheran, visit villagelutheranchurch.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 reiterates the importance of watching out for false teachers in the days leading up to the fall of Jerusalem. No false teacher will be needed to add to anything Jesus has said concerning the imminence of the temple's destruction. Jesus describes those days surrounding Jerusalem's fall with apocalyptic language reminiscent of the Old Testament prophets. The day of the LORD that came upon Jerusalem in AD 70 does foreshadow Christ's second coming, yet the destruction of the temple was not the end of the world. Even as created things pass away as we wait for the Last Day, Jesus gives us the confidence that His Words endure forever.

Rev. Jared Nies, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church and School in Lapeer, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 24:23-35.

To learn more about St. Paul's in Lapeer, visit stpaul-lapeer.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]

The disciples ask Jesus two questions that prompt His last great discourse in the Gospel according to St. Matthew. They want to know when Jerusalem will be destroyed, and they want to know what sign will announce His second coming. Jesus answers both questions in order, careful not to allow the disciples to conflate the two events. This text speaks about the fall of Jerusalem. Jesus warns His disciples to stay alert through wars and disasters. Through persecution, they must endure in proclaiming the Gospel. When they see the abomination of desolation in the temple, they must flee from Jerusalem, knowing that God is working, even then, for the sake of His elect.

Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Atchison, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 24:3-22.

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]

Jesus speaks Jerusalem's name twice with love and sadness, for its reputation has not lived up to its name. Instead of being the city of peace, Jerusalem has been the city that kills the prophets, and the same is about to happen again to Jesus. Even though His will was to gather Jerusalem into His refuge, Jerusalem's will was the opposite. In foretelling the destruction of the city and the temple, Jesus gives what Jerusalem wanted. He leaves the temple and goes to the Mount of Olives, in the same way the prophet Ezekiel saw the glory of the LORD leave the temple. Jesus will not let His disciples be impressed by the grandeur of the temple's stones, for those stones will be toppled. Rather, He teaches His disciples that He is the place where God's name dwells.

Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church and School in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 23:37-24:2.

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]

Jesus continues to speak woe to the scribes and Pharisees. Their hypocrisy is evident in their concern for outwardly upright behavior while being inwardly wicked due to their rejection of God's Word and His Son, Jesus. As the fathers of the scribes and Pharisees murdered the prophets, so now the scribes and Pharisees are about to spill the innocent blood of the Son of God. Nonetheless, by directing these words directly to each individual man hearing Him, Jesus calls each one to repent and believe even now, before it is too late.

Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Oakmont, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 23:25-36.

To learn more about Redeemer Lutheran, 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]

Jesus speaks woe repeatedly to the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy of claiming to know the Scriptures but refusing to believe in Him. When they spread their teaching, they only evangelize others for hell. Their hypocrisy blinds them to the truth of the temple as the house of God who dwells among His people with life and forgiveness. As the scribes and Pharisees focus on the minutiae of the Law, they miss the big picture of God's mercy and faithfulness. Even with such direct and harsh words, Jesus shows love to these men and calls them to repentance.

Rev. Sam Beltz, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Oskaloosa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 23:13-24.

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]

Having answered His enemies’ temptations three times now, Jesus takes the offensive during Holy Week. He warns the crowds and His disciples against the scribes and Pharisees. Although they rightly read the Word of God, which must be obeyed, their preaching and their practice are full of deceit and hypocrisy which must not be obeyed. Their preaching only proclaims the burden of the Law, with no salvation from the Gospel. Their concern for earthly glory only exacerbates the problem. In contrast, Jesus upholds the life of a servant as the paradigm for all who are members of His Church, for we know that God is the One who exalts us.

Rev. Tim Koch, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Linn, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 23:1-12.

To learn more about Zion in Linn, visit zionlinn.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]

The Pharisees try to tempt Jesus one more time by sending a lawyer from among them to ask about the greatest commandment in the Law. Jesus responds by refusing to separate the two tables of the Law from each other. The love of God and the love of neighbor go hand-in-hand. Even more than that, the Law, together with the prophets, paints a picture of the Christ who has come to fulfill all things in place of sinners. Because the Christ is both David’s son and David’s Lord, the Christ is the only Savior.

Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 22:34-46.

To learn more about Higher Things, visit higherthings.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]

The Sadducees take their turn at trying to trap Jesus by presenting a story that pits the resurrection against levirate marriage. Because of the lawfulness of all the marriages presented in their case study, they are sure they have proved the resurrection to be ludicrous. Jesus tells them outright that they are wrong because they don’t know the Bible or God’s power. If they realized that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the God of the living, they would know that the resurrection must be a reality—and it is!

Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 22:23-33.

To learn more about Glory of Christ, visit gloryofchrist.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]