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As Hannah fulfills her promise to give her son Samuel into the LORD's service at the tabernacle, she prays with joy and thanksgiving at what the LORD has done for her. He has shown Himself to be holy and faithful, so that the prideful cannot speak or stand in His presence. He brings about great reversals, making low the mighty and raising up the humble. As the Creator and the Redeemer, He protects His people and defeats His enemies. Hannah's song foreshadows the song of Mary in Luke 1, and Hannah speaks prophetically about the LORD's King and His Anointed One, thus pointing us forward to Jesus. Rev. Dr. John Bombaro, pastor at St. James Lutheran Church and School in Lafayette, IN and a chaplain for the LCMS serving with the 14th Marine Regiment, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Samuel 2:1-11. "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. 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
Jerusalem and Heaven—John is told to measure the temple, and two witnesses prophesy for 1,260 days before being killed and resurrected. The seventh trumpet sounds, declaring God's kingdom established. In anticipation of God's ultimate victory, how does this inspire us to bear witness boldly in the face of opposition? The Rev. Mark Loder, pastor of St. James Lutheran Church & School, Howard Lake, MN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Revelation 11:1-19. Shrouded in mysterious visions of cosmic battles, plagues, and catastrophic events, the Apocalypse of St. John, or as it's more commonly known--the Book of Revelation, paints a haunting picture of the end times. Cryptic symbols of beasts, the rise of the Antichrist, and the final judgment unfold with unsettling intensity, revealing the ultimate clash between good and evil. Yet, beneath its terrifying imagery, Revelation is also a deeply personal letter, offering comfort to early Christians facing persecution. It reassures them—and believers today—of God's control over history, His promise of redemption, and the certainty of Christ's victory.
Jesus captivates the crowd with profound teachings, starting with a bold warning against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. He urges His followers to fear God rather than people, reassuring them of God's attentive care. Through the Parable of the Rich Fool, He exposes the futility of hoarding wealth. Jesus then encourages His disciples to trust in God's provision, pointing to the birds and flowers as proof, and to seek God's kingdom. The chapter concludes with Jesus highlighting the inevitable division His message brings and urging discernment of the times. The Rev. Mark Loder, pastor of St. James Lutheran Church and School in Howard Lake, MN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 12. The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus' concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God's salvation for all people. Luke's account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God's love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.