Podcast appearances and mentions of matthew lutheran church

Today's Reading: Luke 14:15-24Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 14:1-27; John 15:1-11“And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.' But they all alike began to make excuses.” (Luke 14:17-18a)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Have you ever really looked forward to a celebration or a meal? Perhaps it's your birthday - you just KNOW that your mom is going to make your favorite foods and you will get an awesome cake; you cannot contain your excited anticipation for that day. Or maybe it's Thanksgiving - you can't wait to enjoy your grandma's homemade pie and your uncle's stuffing! Look again at the reading for today; a banquet has been prepared. There is literally nothing to do except come! And yet EVERYONE who was invited made excuses. That seems ridiculous. Surely they know a good thing when they are given it - a free banquet! Who says no to that? Well, let's be honest with ourselves. How many Sunday mornings have you wished to just keep sleeping? How many times have you sat in church and thought, “Why is this taking so long?” How often have you skipped Bible study because the teacher is really boring? Repent, dear invited one. You are making excuses. Our Lord prepares a banquet for us - a feast for us - every time we are in the Divine Service. He has equipped and called men to be our pastors; they stand in the stead of Jesus and pronounce our sins forgiven. Our Lord has given us His Word to hear, read, speak, and sing; the Word that points to His mercy and our rescue. He pours out His Blood and sacrifices His Body for our eating and drinking. Indeed, every time we attend church, we are at a banquet! We receive the most perfect, holy, beautiful Gifts from God: we are reminded of His adoption of us in Baptism, we are forgiven of our sins, and we literally feast on Jesus' Body and Blood for our salvation. Maybe you are still going to drag yourself to church, hurt, broken, and tired from the week. God's Gifts don't depend on how you feel about them - they are real and they are yours. Attend the banquet. Receive the feast that has been prepared for you. Rest where you are safe, holy, and loved. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O Lord, since You never fail to help and govern those whom You nurture in Your steadfast fear and love, work in us a perpetual fear and love of Your holy name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

June 13, 2026Today's Reading: Introit for Trinity 2 - Psalm 18:1-2a, 27, 30a, 49; antiphon: Psalm 18:18b-19Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 13:1-25; John 14:18-31“I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,” (Psalm 18:1-2a) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.These are words of witness. They speak of who God is and what He does for His people. The Lord is our strength. And yet, I get caught in the lie of independence and self-reliance. I want to believe that *I* am strong. I want to believe that *I* can be brave, powerful, and mighty. And yet, in my most quiet thoughts - I know that I am not. I know that I am weak, I struggle, and I am not enough. When I look at myself, when I rely on myself, when I think only of myself - I cannot be strong. The Third Article of the Creed teaches us that we ‘cannot by our own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ or come to Him.' We are weak. In fact, in sin, we are dead. So this first verse in Psalm 18 is a gift - it reminds us that we don't have to be strong. In fact, we have the Lord who is strength. It is in Him that we are brought to new life and are made holy. We lean on Him and trust in Him; we are indeed strong in God. His might is given to us. The next verse speaks of God as our rock, fortress, and deliverer. Living in this broken world is hard. Sin hurts. This week has been rough. I have sinned, and I have been sinned against. It can often feel like there is no safe place to go. And yet, we are reminded that we are in Christ. He is our safe place. Church is where we receive His Gifts; we are forgiven, redeemed, loved, and shown mercy. We are delivered from evil and kept safe in God's House. Indeed, God is immovable - His character does not change. He is the protection that is needed from all that would hurt, harm, or kill. He is the only one who can deliver us, who can rescue us, from the brokenness of sin. God is your strength, your rock, your fortress, and your deliverer. When you attend the Divine Service, rest in the safety of God's Word and His promises. Trust that your Baptism is your identity and God's Word of Absolution is for you. Jesus' Body and Blood is yours; eat and drink His promise. You are not alone, but are protected, loved, and safe in Jesus. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“Fear not! I am with you, O be not dismayed, For I am your God and will still give you aid; I'll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand, Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand. (LSB 728:2) Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

June 12, 2026Today's Reading: Catechism: The Lord's Prayer - 4th PetitionDaily Lectionary: Proverbs 10:1-23; Proverbs 11:1-12:28; John 14:1-17What does this mean? God certainly gives daily bread to everyone without our prayers, even to all evil people, but we pray in this petition that God would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.We need to be reminded to be grateful. Ouch. A quick ‘thanks,' is sufficient, right? I do have other things to get done - I have money to make, groceries to buy, errands to run…I'm taking care of my life! Hmmm. Maybe this Petition is worth some time and reflection. In the Lord's Prayer, we are given the Petition ‘Give us this day our daily bread.' This is not some type of magic incantation that allows pizza to softly float down to our dinner tables. No, this is a reminder that God DOES give us what we need. Our daily needs are met. Furthermore, none of this is done with our control or effort. As Luther explains, God certainly gives without our prayers.We are given this Petition so we might pause and reflect on God's character. God is merciful, abundant, and loving. He gives more than we can even imagine. He had a plan for our salvation before the world even existed. He certainly provides for our needs of body and soul. When we are tempted to think about our own efforts in ‘meeting our needs,' we should repent. We must remember that it is God who provides the sunshine, air, dirt, and seeds that will one day be wheat for flour (for that pizza!). It is God who equips farmers, truck drivers, and store owners - all those who help us find the food that is necessary for sustaining our bodies (which are also Gifts from God). And this Petition reminds us that God gives us ALL that is needed for our body and life - not *only* the food that we daily receive. Indeed, this part of the Lord's Prayer is a powerful and humbling reminder that God is in control, and this is good. God knows our needs and meets them - without our asking, our assistance, or even our thanks. We get to reflect on all that God gives and all that He is, and then give Him thanksgiving. We are reminded of who He is: the One who sent His own perfect Son to die in the place of sinners. The one who defeated sin, death, and the power of the devil for us. The one who calls us His own in Baptism and feeds us Jesus' Body and Blood. Yes! We have so much to give thanks for - we have a generous and loving God! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God makes the clouds rain goodness, The deserts bloom and spring, The hills leap up in gladness, The valleys laugh and sing. God fills them with His fullness, All things with large increase; He crowns the year with blessing, With plenty and with peace. (LSB 893:2)Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

June 11, 2026Today's Reading: Mark 6:7-13Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 9:1-18; John 13:21-38“And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.” (Mark 6:7) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Disciples are followers of Jesus - literally. Before Jesus' ascension, the disciples went where He went. They did what He did. He taught, they listened. In this account in Mark, Jesus sends out the Twelve apostles. These men were disciples, but being an apostle meant that they were sent out to teach and to preach. They were given authority by Jesus and were given directions by Jesus. Today, we remember the Apostle Barnabas. This is the guy who ‘vouched' for Saul. In the early church, after Jesus ascended into heaven, there was a lot of persecution. You may remember that Saul was a high-ranking Jewish leader who had made it his mission to hunt disciples of Jesus and punish them, even to death. And yet, Jesus comes to Saul and confronts him about his sins. Jesus calls Saul to be one of His disciples—and even more—to be an apostle. Saul (later named Paul) was going to preach about Jesus; he was called out of darkness into God's light. We sinners tend to be skeptical; the disciples in the early church did too. Did Paul *really* meet Jesus? Was he *actually* a believer? The disciples in Jerusalem, at the time of Paul's conversion, were afraid. Paul wants to join these disciples, but they don't believe him. However, Barnabas is not going to stay silent. Barnabas greets Paul, brings him to the other disciples, and witnesses to what he knows happened. He teaches his fellow disciples (and apostles) the truth that Jesus does indeed change hearts and minds. He declares that Jesus did, in fact, call Paul to be an apostle. You probably aren't an apostle, but you are a disciple of Jesus. You get to continue learning from His Word, receiving His Gifts, and witnessing about what is true. In your Baptism, you are safely tucked into God's family, and nothing can take that away. From that place, then, you can be bold to speak about Jesus. You can declare that He does forgive sins, He does keep His promises, and He is the Savior of the world. You can be like Barnabas - speak of what is true and real. Point to Jesus' Death and Resurrection. Speak of yourself as a redeemed sinner. Speak to the neighbors you have been given - in your school, your home, your neighborhood, your community - and tell the Good News of Jesus for sinners. You get to be a disciple; you receive God's good Gifts, and you get to then share His love with all that you meet. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.How clear is our vocation, Lord, When once we heed your call: To live according to Your Word And daily learn, refreshed, restored, That You are Lord of all, And will not let us fall. (LSB 853:1) Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

June 10, 2026Today's Reading: John 13:1-20Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 8:22-36; John 13:1-20“Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” (John 13:1) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Do you get anxious before a big event? Maybe you get really excited; all those butterflies of anticipation are fluttering in your stomach. You have a big test, a big game, a fancy dinner, or a presentation… something big is coming, and you know that it matters. Sometimes, in our desire to focus, we forget about other people or other things. Washing the dishes? Later, I have a paper to finish. Walking the dog? Later, I have an important dinner to get ready for. We focus on our next big moment and nothing else. In today's reading, Jesus knows what is coming; His ‘big event' is His crucifixion. This has been the plan of salvation since before the world was created, and now the time had come. And yet, who is His focus? Where does He spend His last hours before death? Jesus “loved them to the end.” Jesus, knowing all that is about to happen, stays focused on those whom He loves. In John 13, Jesus washes the feet of the disciples. He shows, yet again, what it means to love sacrificially. He shows what it means to love and care for your neighbors. He continues to teach and to serve His disciples. He knows what His next hours are going to include, but He continues to love. He teaches the disciples that this is an example to them (and to us) - that we are to serve others. Jesus says in John 13:20 that, ‘truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.' You have received the one whom Jesus sends - you have been given the Holy Spirit! In your Baptism, you are made clean and declared holy; you are covered by Jesus and bear God's name. You are one of Jesus' own. On the cross, it was for you that Jesus willingly hung and willingly died. In the Resurrection, it is you that He brings into new life and unto life eternal. You are one for whom Jesus died. You are loved. And Jesus will indeed love you to the end. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“Yes, Father, yes, most willingly I'll bear what You command Me. My will conforms to Your decree, I'll do what You have asked Me.” O wondrous Love, what have you done! The Father offers up His Son, Desiring our salvation. O Love, how strong You are to save! You lay the One into the grave Who built the earth's foundation. (LSB 438:3) Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

June 9, 2026Today's Reading: 1 John 4:16-21Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 8:1-21; John 12:36b-50“We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I have to admit, I like to be first. In school, I liked it when I was done with my homework first, and I liked it when I ran a race and got first place. Even now, I like it when my favorite team gets first. I want to win. I want to be the best, and being first is definitely the best. And yet, this short verse in 1 John says that someone else was first. This verse says that I can love, can know love, and can give love only because someone else did it first. This verse says that He loved me and He loved you. This verse is clear - I wasn't the first to love. When I stop and think about it, this verse tells me that being first isn't really the point. When I admitted to liking to be first, to always winning, I was also admitting that my mindset is selfish. If I am winning, then everyone around me has to be losing. I'm not thinking about them; I am only thinking about me. Maybe I don't know what love is, because that definitely isn't love. These verses in 1 John teach us about what love is - about who love is. It isn't about winning, and it isn't about me (or you) being the best. Instead, love is sacrificial. Love is reassuring and is hope without fear. There is no competition in love. God is love. Love lays down His life so that others (sinners…you…me) can live. Love is given freely and is good. Love looks like something - it looks like Jesus on the cross. Love looks like an empty tomb. Love looks like God's Word and water. Love is in, with, and under Bread and Wine. God's plan to love is shown in the mercies and grace that are ours every day. It's a good thing that God loved us first. It's a good thing that before we were born or could even think about what love is and how we might have it, God loved and planned for our rescue. Now, I can know and you can know that love is resting in God, in His promises, and in His work, not our own. Then, out of that love, comes love for our neighbors. We get to look around, not at ourselves, and see the needs of those around us. We get to rejoice in the love we have and then share it with others. God loved you first, and that is very good. And, now you get to love too. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Jesus loves me! This I know, For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong; They are weak, but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so. (LSB 588:1)Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

June 8, 2026Today's Reading: Genesis 15:1-6Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 5:1-23; Proverbs 6:1-7:27; John 12:20-36a“But Abram said, ‘O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?'” (Genesis 15:2)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Perhaps Abram has a point. At age 75, he was called by God to leave his home and travel to a new land, but life has been fraught with problems. There was a famine, so Abram found himself in Egypt, where that (first) awkward encounter between the Pharaoh and Sarai happened. And then, Abram has to rescue his nephew Lot from war in Sodom and Gomorrah. What about the promises of being a great nation, being blessed, and having his name be great? Ever since Abram listened to God, it has been one issue after another; there doesn't seem to be any follow-through on those promises. In today's reading, God is making promises again: Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram pushes back: But God…what will you give me? I don't even have an heir of my own!Here's the thing. We sinners like to develop our own timelines and our own measuring sticks. Abram wanted those promises fulfilled now. He wanted what was coming to him. He wanted proof and assurance that this was going to be worth it. Abram is having doubts; he and Sarai hadn't had a child yet - how could they possibly be the great nation that God had promised? Abram doubts. You and I doubt too. Why is my life full of suffering? Why is the Christian life hard? When will I receive what God has promised? The rest of today's reading is the comfort we need. Abram expresses his doubts, and God hears them! God's character is one of mercy and patience. While Abram had no ‘right' to question God or worry about what was going to happen, God met Abram's question with assurances. God gave Abram more promises - Abram, you will have your own son. You will have more descendants than stars in the sky. And even more amazing - when Abram believes these words from God, God counts his belief as righteousness! What about for you? What about when you ask questions, worry, and doubt? God answers you, too. Remember your Baptism. You are named as a Child of God and covered by Jesus. Go to the Divine Service and hear God's Word of Law and Gospel for you. Be reminded that you are a sinner - one for whom Jesus bled and died. Rejoice that you are a saint and that Jesus' resurrection is yours also. Take and eat Jesus' Body and Blood. Believe in the One who always keeps His promises and always hears your prayers. God is faithful.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God gives me my days of gladness, And I will Trust Him still When He sends me sadness, God is good; His love attends me Day by day, Come what may, Guides me and defends me. (LSB 756:3) Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

June 7, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 16:19-31Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 4:1-27; John 12:1-19“He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.'” (Luke 16:31) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.At first glance, today's reading seems to suggest that life is the luck of the draw. The rich guy had it good during his earthly life, while Lazarus had it rough. And, because it is only fair then, the rich guy has to suffer in eternity, but Lazarus gets to be in comfort. It seems to make sense, right? It's only fair.And yet, this isn't about being poor or rich. This isn't a ‘fair picture' of who gets to have what. Instead, this teaches about the lie of independence and the idolatry of wanting to be your own god. This speaks to the heart of every sinner. The rich man had nice clothes and plenty of food; he lived lavishly. To us sinners who love control,  comfort, and excess, this sounds great! Lazarus, by contrast, suffers continuously. He wishes for crumbs. And yet, all he has are the dogs. When death comes, Lazarus is brought to heaven, and the rich man suffers in torment. Ephesians 2 teaches us that it is, “by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing, it is a gift from God.” We learn that Lazarus had faith. He trusted in His Savior, even in suffering. In Hades, the rich man still wants to control his destiny. He wants a drop of water - he wants some relief; he is told no. He begs that Lazarus be raised from the dead to give his brothers a warning about this eternity of torment. But, his brothers already have the Law - they have the words of Moses and the Prophets. If they will not repent when the Law is taught, they will have no use for someone being risen from the dead. Repent, dear sinner. Do not be deceived by independence, control, or the ability to chase your desires. God's Word of Law is for your good. It reminds you that you are a sinner. Remember that in your Baptism, your Old Adam daily drowns and dies; the New Man daily rises and celebrates the boundaries given by God. The New Man daily rejoices, even in suffering, because even in trials there is hope. Cling to the promises of Jesus, who has risen from the dead for you. In excess and in suffering, you need God's Law and His Gospel. You need to be reminded of your sin and your dependence on God. Rejoice in that reminder - for you have a God who does not spare His only, perfect Son, but abandons Him on the cross for you. You have a Risen Savior who daily forgives your sins and meets your needs. You are not without hope. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O God, the strength of all who trust in You, mercifully accept our prayers; and because through the weakness of our mortal nature we can do no good thing, grant us Your grace to keep Your Commandments that we may please You in both will and deed; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

Like the episode? Let us know!How do we uphold life through our vocations? Join Michelle Bauman, Director of Y4Life and YA For Life, as she explores how vocation and life are connected. This week, Michelle talks with Deaconess Sarah and Deaconess Miller about the work that deaconesses do to uphold life in churches, schools, and communities.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Deac. Sarah Longmire serves as deaconess at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, Missouri.Deac. Patti Miller serves as deaconess at Village Lutheran Church in Ladue, Missouri.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Lutherans For Life and Y4Life are funded by donors like YOU. To support the mission and ministry of LFL and Y4Life, you can donate at LutheransForLife.org and Y4Life.org.Support the showDiscover your Gospel-motivated voice 4 Life at Y4Life.org.

David prays in joy for what the LORD has accomplished for him and through him as king. The LORD's blessings have overflowed for David and for all Israel because of the LORD's steadfast love. The LORD has given victory to Israel from their enemies, and He is exalted as the true King. In this way, David and all the kings of Israel point forward to the eternal reign of Jesus Christ.  Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 21.  To learn more about St. Matthew Lutheran, visit GraceFaithLove.org. Join Sharper Iron this spring to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, 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

When Abraham sojourns in Gerar, he once again says that his wife Sarah is only his sister. The LORD acts swiftly to prevent Abimelech, the king in Gerar, from committing adultery with Sarah, lest there be any confusion concerning the promised son she will soon carry. Abimelech listens to God's warning and speaks to Abraham about what has happened. Upon hearing Abraham's answer, Abimelech gives generously to Abraham, who prays for Abimelech so that the LORD shows mercy. Although Abraham's faith looks weak in this text, the LORD remains faithful to the promises He has made.  Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 20:1-18.  To learn more about St. Matthew Lutheran, visit GraceFaithLove.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

Twelve years of bleeding and a dying twelve-year-old girl. In this episode of The Magnificent 37, we explore a "miracle within a miracle." As Jesus goes to save the daughter of Jairus, He is interrupted by a woman who touches His garment in faith. This "divine interruption" teaches us that God's delays are not God's denials. Jesus demonstrates His power over chronic illness and death itself, taking the dead girl by the hand and speaking the tender words, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!”   The Rev. Steve Andrews, Jr., pastor of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 5:25–43.   To learn more about St. Matthew Lutheran, visit GraceFaithLove.org. Thy Strong Word kicks off the new year by dedicating our time to study "The Magnificent 37: The Miracles of Jesus." Christ didn't just speak the Word; He demonstrated it with power. From the quiet intimacy of water turning to wine at Cana to the earth-shaking reality of the empty tomb, the Gospels record thirty-seven distinct moments where Jesus suspended the laws of nature to reveal the power of his grace. This isn't just a list of "neat tricks" from history. It is a systematic walkthrough of how God breaks into our broken world to fix it. Why did Jesus curse a fig tree? Why did He need mud to heal a blind man? What does the coin in the fish's mouth teach us about being citizens of heaven and earth?  Host, Pastor Phil Booe and a lineup of guest pastors will take you through each event, verse by verse. We'll move past the Sunday School summary and get into the meat of the text, including the Old Testament connections, the cultural context, and the immediate comfort these signs bring to your life today.   Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@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

Although St. Paul may have never visited the saints in Colossae, he writes to them with joy and thanksgiving for their faith, love, and hope. They are bearing fruit in the same Gospel that is preached throughout the world, as Epaphras has reported. Paul therefore prays that the Colossians would continue to walk in this faith as they are strengthened by God, who has transferred them from the domain of darkness and brought them into Jesus' kingdom of light and life.  Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Colossians 1:1-14.  To learn more about St. Matthew Lutheran, visit GraceFaithLove.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

The LORD calls the leaders of His people to account. Although Israel does not know Him, He knows Israel and sees the prideful idolatry that infects both the northern and southern kingdoms. The LORD says that the warning trumpet must sound, for He is bringing His judgment, slowly but surely. As Israel continues to look for help in the wrong places, the LORD promises to return to His place until His people turn to Him in repentance again.  Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Hosea 5:1-15.  To learn more about St. Matthew Lutheran, visit GraceFaithLove.org. “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorter, the Word of God they preached was important in the years leading up to the coming of the Christ, and that Word remains important for the Church today. Just as we still need to listen to their call to repentance over our idolatry, so we still need to heed their call to trust in the Savior, Jesus.  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

Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and queen mother in Judah, attempts to capitalize on the death of her son by killing the rest of the royal family. Her demonic attack is foiled by the LORD, who works through a faithful priest and his wife to rescue one of the sons in the line of David. The priest Jehoiada waits until the rightful heir to the throne is seven years old before he unfolds his plan to anoint Joash king of Judah. Athaliah is brought to a just end when she is executed for her treason, and the enthronement of Joash is met with joy and a rejection of the worship of Baal.  Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 11:1-20.  To learn more about St. Matthew, visit www.GraceFaithLove.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, 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

As Israel questions David's reign over all of them, a Benjaminite named Sheba begins to lead a rebellion against David. David's new commander Amasa delays in dealing with the problem, and Joab treacherously murders Amasa to regain his spot as commander for David. Joab and his brother pursue Sheba even to a city where Sheba is likely to find allies, and through the wisdom of a woman in that city, Sheba's rebellion is brought to an end before much traction is gained.  Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 20:1-26.  "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

Isaiah begins to recount the historical narrative of the LORD's deliverance of His people from the Assyrians. Although the might of the Assyrian army was great, the text focuses on the war of words waged by the Assyrian official, the Rabshakeh. His temptations are strong, using half-truths in order to draw the people away from their trust in the LORD. Only strengthened by the LORD's promises can the people of Judah stand against such demonic attacks, and Judean royal officials are prepared to do just that as they mourn over the words spoken by the Rabshakeh and return to King Hezekiah to go hear from the prophet Isaiah.  Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 36:1-22.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in the strength of man will be brought low, but those who trust in the LORD will see that He is their Immanuel. Jesus is God with us who reigns over the kingdom of God forever and ever! 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 bad report of the ten unfaithful spies leads Israel into utter rebellion against the LORD, as they look for someone to lead them back to Egypt. When Joshua and Caleb remind the people that they do not need to be afraid because the LORD is with them, the people of Israel are ready to stone them along with Moses and Aaron until the LORD intervenes. Moses intercedes before the LORD so that the LORD does not immediately bring an end to Israel right then and there. Still, the LORD tells Israel they can have what they have asked. Those twenty years old and upward counted in the census will die during a forty-year wandering in the wilderness, while their children will enter the Promised Land after that time. A false repentance on the part of Israel leads them to disobey yet again by trying to take the Promised Land without the LORD. They are defeated and begin their wandering in the wilderness.  Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 14:1-45.  "Wilderness Wanderings” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Numbers. After the LORD delivers His people from slavery in Egypt, He leads them toward the Promised Land. Although the first generation of Israelites proves faithless, the LORD remains faithful to His people and brings a new generation of Israelites to the plains of Moab. This strengthens us to listen to God's promises today and stay faithful to Him as He guides us toward resurrection life. 

Join us as we chat with Dan Burk, principal and chief operating officer at St. Matthew Lutheran Church and School in Westland, Michigan, who shares his intriguing journey and the layers of challenges and rewards that come with it. Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterWe kick off with Dan's extensive background in Lutheran education. Discover the importance of strong support staff and the power of effective communication as Dan delves into the pressing issues at Concordia Ann Arbor, advocating for transparency and honest dialogue.As we navigate the broader struggles within the Concordia University System, Dan offers a poignant critique of the recent campus closures, drawing parallels to the emotional impact of losing a family member. We explore the urgent call for a clear vision to rebuild trust and the essential role of leadership in casting a future direction. The conversation underscores the importance of open dialogues with stakeholders and the balance between maintaining a strong Lutheran identity while being welcoming to students from diverse backgrounds. Dan's personal anecdotes make the case for the profound impact of Lutheran education on students' spiritual journeys.We wrap up with a deep dive into the critical elements of effective leadership—vision, trust, and empathy. Hear how vulnerability and honesty can forge stronger bonds within a community, with Dan drawing lessons from Jesus' model of servitude and humility. The discussion expands to the importance of guiding children with integrity and the role of educators in establishing foundational truths. Whether you're a leader, an educator, or someone passionate about the future of Lutheran education, this episode offers valuable insights and heartfelt reflections.Ask Ralph - Christian FinanceJoin financial expert Ralph Estep, Jr - Daily tips for balancing your faith and finances. Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the Show.Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

Dr. Joel Biermann joins as guest on this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to discuss his new book, Day: 7: For Work, Rest, or Play. In this episode, Biermann discusses how his book explores the sabbath and how it's all about living in the joy and celebration of God's good gifts.Get a copy of his book on cph.org. Show NotesThe third commandment asks Christians to remember the sabbath day by keeping it holy - but how is one supposed to keep it holy? And how does work, rest, and play help us do just that? Dr. Joel Biermann joins the episode to talk about the sabbath and what it means for us in our daily lives.Listen to the full episode to hear Dr. Biermann talk about who he wrote his new book for, what his goal was when writing, how we can understand the sabbath's implications for our lives, the significance of the sabbath in the Bible, and more. QuestionsYou wrote this for a lay audience. How did you know that it was ready for a lay audience?What is your goal for Day 7?What do most people get wrong about the Sabbath?What does the Sabbath have to do with God creating the world?Is there any significance to Adam and Eve being created on the sixth day, and then resting with God on the seventh day?How did the Israelites in the Old Testament understand and observe the Sabbath?How did Jesus' teachings and healing miracles on the Sabbath help shape our understanding of what Sabbath means for us?Does the Sabbath give us a glimpse into what our eternal life with Christ in heaven will be like?What does it look like to live the vita receptiva?In your introduction, you say that the biblical idea of remembering the sabbath deserves more attention. What do you mean?What does it mean to follow the sabbath?What do you think most people get wrong about the sabbath? Why is called the sabbath? About the Guest The son of a pastor, Joel Biermann was raised in parishes in Alberta, Nebraska, and Michigan. After serving St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Holt, Michigan for 11 years, Dr. Biermann returned to Concordia Seminary to pursue graduate work. In 2002, he joined the faculty at Concordia Seminary in the department of systematic theology, teaching doctrinal theology with a special interest and emphasis centered on ethics and the correct role of the law in the life of the believer. Outside of his responsibilities at the seminary, Dr. Biermann serves actively at his home congregation, leading evangelism training, teaching an ongoing Sunday morning Bible class, and creating material for small group Bible studies.   Dr. Biermann is a frequent speaker at district and congregational gatherings and conferences covering a variety of topics especially relating to issues of discipleship and sanctification. Dr. Biermann holds the following degrees: B.A., Concordia College, Ann Arbor, Michigan M.Div., Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri Ph.D., Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Biermann and his wife Jeannalee live in St. Louis where they enjoy staying active in a variety of ways in the outdoors. They have three grown children and 11 grandchildren.

St. Paul gives thanks to God for the faith of the Ephesians and remembers them in his prayers. He asks that God would give them wisdom and knowledge in Christ. In Him, the Ephesians will truly see the certainty of their hope and the riches of their inheritance. God has shown His power over all things through the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. He rules over all things for the sake of His Church, which is His body.  Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Ephesians 1:15-23.   "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle to the Ephesians. St. Paul highlights the salvation that God has given to His whole Church by His grace through faith. Because God has given His people this new life in Holy Baptism, we live in thanksgiving to Him as members of one body. 

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Because the LORD has caused His glory to come to His people, they rise and shine so that nations are drawn to worship the LORD. All the wealth of the world is put into the service of the LORD as He calls sinners to His salvation because He loves people as His treasured possession. The safety of the LORD's kingdom is complete; no enemy shall threaten His people. The abundance of the LORD's kingdom is overwhelming; His people will lack no good thing. The light of the LORD's kingdom is glorious; He Himself will be their Light. Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 60:1-22. "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 40-66. Though Isaiah lived one hundred years beforehand, he writes to the people of God in exile in Babylon to assure them that their God reigns and will rescue them through the work of His servant. These promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose work Isaiah proclaims vividly seven hundred years beforehand.

St. Paul comes to the thesis of the letter to the Galatians. Whether a person is a Jew or a Gentile, that person will be declared righteous not by works of the law, but only through faith in Jesus Christ. This is what St. Paul, St. Peter, all the apostles, and all Christians believe. The fact that Christ forgives sinners does not make Him a servant of sin; rather, we are the transgressors. By His death on the cross, God has atoned for our sins. Through faith, we have been crucified with Christ, so that He lives in us, and our lives are carried out in faith in Him alone. If salvation comes in any other way, Christ's death means nothing. Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Galatians 2:15-21. “No Other Gospel” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle of Galatians. St. Paul writes an urgent letter to the Galatians lest they forsake the one true Gospel. The apostle calls the Galatians away from the teaching of the Judaizers, because salvation does not come when we add any sort of works to what Jesus has done for us. We are only saved by God's grace in Christ Jesus.

Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Corinthians 14:26-40. St. Paul continues to instruct the Corinthians concerning matters of public worship. When considering how speaking in tongues and prophecy fit into public worship, Christians ought to consider what best builds up the body of Christ into peace and order, rather than confusion. For this same reason, women should not be ordained into the pastoral ministry, so that husbands and wives can live together in the order that God has established. St. Paul writes these things according to the Lord's Word so that all things will be done decently and in order in the Church. “Nothing But Christ Crucified” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle of 1 Corinthians. In response to correspondence from the Christians in Corinth and reports about matters arising in the congregation, St. Paul writes to address various matters of Christian faith and life. Throughout it all, he directs our attention to the power and wisdom of God for our salvation: Christ crucified.

October 14, 2023Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 20: Isaiah 61:10; antiphon Psalm 146:2Daily Lectionary:Malachi 2:1-3:5, Matthew 4:1-11I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.  (Psalm 146:2)In the Name of Jesus, Amen. Hallelujah is Hebrew for “praise the Lord.” The Greek word is alleluia. Alleluia is an invitation to praise God. That is why we sing it so much in our worship. We sing alleluia to ourselves and to each other.  We are encouraging and inviting each other to the joyful work of praising God, speaking of all he is, said, says, did, does and will do. Let us do this together! We sing praise in the congregation for the mutual blessing of knowing and believing in Jesus as Lord and Savior. It is good to sing praise to the Lord.Praise is not done for God. He doesn't need it. We do. In praising God we bring to our minds and hearts what God has said and done for us men and for our salvation. God knows what He has done and said He doesn't need reminding. Sinners tend to forget. Through praise God does His work of saving among us. Preaching and hearing God's Word is praise that goes into our ears. The praise that comes out of our mouths is our joyful response. Within the congregation our praise also enters our ears and those nearest us. Hear what God has done for me! Daring to be Lutheran is praising God boldly and clearly in worship.The liturgy is full of God's Word. The Psalms along with the readings, sermon and hymns guide us in our praise. Through God's Word, preaching and the sacraments we know that God is with us to distribute His gifts of life and salvation through the forgiveness of sins. We also know that God is present among us in our praise. The psalmist put it this way: You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel (Psalm 22:3). God reigns among His people in their praises! He distributes His kingly divine gifts to us. Christians give way to joyful praise because through Baptism they have been clothed in the righteousness of Jesus. Christian praise is to put our trust in God rather than men. Praise puts to death the old sinful man and raises up Christ, the New Man within you. The breath of men departs and they die. The breath of God that is poured out through our worship and praise brings forth life and eternal salvation. “I will praise Him as long as I live!” In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  It is good to give thanks to the Lord,    to sing praises to your name, O Most High;    to declare your steadfast love in the morning,    and your faithfulness by night,   For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work;    at the works of your hands I sing for joy.   (Psalm 92:1,2,4)-Pastor Preston Paul is pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Almena, WI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

October 13, 2023Today's Reading: Daily Lectionary: Malachi 1:1-14,  Matthew 3:1-17John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”   “…The voice of one crying in the wilderness…” (Matthew 3:1,2,3b)In the Name of Jesus, Amen. God wants you to be a happy hearer. Satan, on the other hand, wants you to despise preaching and to reluctantly listen to your pastor. Despising preaching is easy to do. The Pharisees and Sadducees didn't gladly hear John's preaching. They despised it because it called for them to confess their sins and believe in Jesus. Christians gladly hear preaching because it works repentance in them and delivers Jesus their Savior.Pastors don't always appreciate the work of listening. They are busy preaching. The pastor's job, above all, is to preach boldly and clearly, God's Word. He owes this to the hearers. Pastors strive through God's Word and prayer to give the hearers something worth gladly hearing. The preaching task is done for the sake of the salvation of sinners. Your pastor is a preacher, a proclaimer of God's Word, His good news for sinners.John the Baptist was ordained by God to prepare the way for Jesus through preaching. Preaching is a really big deal to God. The hearers of John's preaching knew that God promised to send a Savior. John's preaching prepared the hearers to receive Jesus gladly.The primary purpose of your ears is to hear God through preaching and the scriptures. Having ears is a daily reminder that you are a hearer of God's Word. God gave them to you, your ears, that you may know Him more fully. It is a mystery that God does His work in this way: from the mouth of a human preacher into the ears of sinners. We pray that “Righteousness will go before him and make his footsteps a way.” (Psalm 85:13). The righteousness that goes before Jesus is the preaching of John and all faithful pastors. Preaching prepares you for Jesus in you. The righteousness of preaching is the message of Christ crucified for sinners. When we pray, “Righteousness will go before him and make his footsteps a way,” we confess that preaching is for sinners and their salvation and ask that it would be so for me. Preaching makes a path for Jesus straight into your happy hearing ears. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;    incline your ears to the words of my mouth! I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,  and the wonders that he has done. (Psalm 78:1-4)-Pastor Preston Paul is pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Almena, WI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

October 12, 2023Today's Reading: Daily Lectionary: Nehemiah 9:22-38, 1 Timothy 6:3-21But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. (1 Timothy 6:6-8)In the Name of Jesus, Amen. Your life should reflect who you are in Christ, all of your life. You are baptized and empowered to live life accordingly. This is what Paul means by godliness. Living a Christian life is far more than simply being a faithful Sunday morning worshiper. The strength and source of living a godly life is Jesus. The Divine Service is where we are plugged-in, so to speak, to Him. Without Jesus there is no godly life. What does your life look like outside of the Divine Service? Is it God pleasing? Godliness is keeping God at the center. It is keeping His Word before our eyes, in our ears and upon our hearts daily. It is reflecting that Word in our words and works of love towards God and neighbor. Why does Paul instruct Timothy to preach and teach about godliness with contentment? And to charge Christians to live a holy life fleeing from sinful desires and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness? For these reasons: for the sake of true joy, peace and contentment and that we may not lose what we already have been given freely in Christ nor cause others to stumble and fall away. We don't worship or live a godly life for compliments. Your godliness in no way atones for sins and gains salvation. However, Jesus' perfect life of godliness and death does… atone for your sins and saves. God wants us to have good things, he “richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” However, He doesn't want us to fall into faith destroying snares. The temptations of riches, power and worldly desires are always ready to entrap us. Satan uses such things to drive us away from Jesus. O Christian flee from those things! Godliness that finds its joyful source in the righteousness of Jesus, freely given, provides a life of contentment. We give thanks for all that God has provided in this life, whether little or an abundance. And how much He has given! What the world considers good and needful is most often just the opposite, hurtful and detrimental to faith. There is only one thing needful for you and that is Jesus, your crucified and risen Savior.  In the Name of Jesus, Amen.Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints,   for those who fear him have no lack!   but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing, Better is the little that the righteous has   than the abundance of many wicked. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness  for his name's sake. (Psalm 34:9, 10b; 23:1,3)-Pastor Preston Paul is pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Almena, WI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

October 11, 2023Today's Reading: Luther's Small Catechism, Baptism: Part 1Daily Lectionary: Nehemiah 9:1-21, 1 Timothy 5:17-6:2“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  In the beginning was water. The Spirit of God hovered over the water, and the Word of God was spoken according to the will of God. All of creation had its origin out of the water. God, the Word of God, the Spirit of God and water are the ingredients of creation, The Holy Trinity and water. God remakes His creation in the same way He made it, by means of water and Himself…the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. “It is He who made us and we are His” (Psalm 100). This makes you a disciple of Jesus, a hearer of His voice. It makes you…what you are. It gives you identity in God. He knows exactly who you are and lovingly reminds you daily of His love for His very own. The Lord loves the baptized. He made them. He made you.In a perfect world we all would have been conceived within the marital union and love between a husband and wife. And wouldn't it be great if we all grew up surrounded by their perfect love, of those parents, in the same house. The brokenness in this world often causes us painful and confusing identity crises. Who am I and why am I here?  The world that God created by means of water and His Word is horribly broken…it cannot simply be repaired. It can be remade. Jesus empowers His church to do the work of remaking… “go and make disciples…”Despite the brokenness of life in this world into which you were born, God chose you to be His baptized, remade, child. Not only did He form you in the womb, but He remade and marked you for eternity in Baptism. The pastor may have administered the Baptism, but the words “in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” show clearly that God is the one doing the “making.”  He makes disciples. He baptized you. God's work of remaking you continues in His church. Baptism gave you ears to hear. The church teaches the baptized that they may learn who they are by listening. What does it mean that I am baptized? Who am I in Jesus? The answer is in the preaching and teaching that you hear from your pastor. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. The voice of the Lord is over the waters;  the God of glory thunders,  the Lord, over many waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful;   the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.Know that the Lord, he is God!    It is he who made us, and we are his;  we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.  (Psalm 29:3,4; 100:3)-Pastor Preston Paul is pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Almena, WI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

October 10, 2023Today's Reading: Philippians 3:4b-14Daily Lectionary: Nehemiah 7:1-4, 8:1-18, 1 Timothy 5:1-16I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ. (Philippians 3:8)It is personal. Faith is first about you and Jesus, just the two of you. That is how it began. Jesus chose you. Remember your Baptism. We Lutherans tend to get a little squeamish if we use words like, “I”, “my” and “mine” too much. We should. Those first-person personal pronouns tend towards self-centeredness. They often leave little room for God and neighbor. Sinners are all about themselves, not Jesus or anybody else. But when it comes to Jesus and you those pronouns are the way to go…use them. St. Paul did and so should you. Jesus knows you personally. He is your Lord and Savior to know and love. It can get a little emotional, and sometimes a lot, like any relationship. This one is the most important of all. Dare to be Lutheran… call Him “my Lord.” The Psalms help us sort the emotions out by knowing the mind and heart of Jesus. For Paul it was very personal. He lost everything, from a worldly perspective, when Jesus came thundering into His life. It blinded Him. He didn't see it coming. He met the Lord, the one he was persecuting. That One wanted to be Paul's Lord. He wished to call him “My” Paul…to save him. Jesus desired Paul to reciprocate and call Him “my Lord.”To have nothing but Jesus as your Lord is far better than having everything without Jesus. This is a hard perspective for us to have in such a self-centered and material society. It is difficult spiritual work. The only way is by prayer and God's Word.  Other “lords” strive to push Him out of the center, His rightful place. These pushy and tyrannical “lords” manifest in countless ways. You know who and what they are…if you wonder, examine yourself according to the Ten Commandments. God's law flushes them out for you…keeping Jesus as your only Lord to love and trust for that which is good and beneficial in life and for your salvation. I am continually with you;   you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel,   and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you?   And there is nothing on earth  that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail,    but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.  For me it is good to be near God;  I have made the Lord God my refuge.  (Psalm 73:23-26, 28b)-Pastor Preston Paul is pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Almena, WI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

October 9, 2023Today's Reading: Isaiah 5:1-7Daily Lectionary: Nehemiah 5:1-16; 6:1-9, 15-16, 1 Timothy 4:1-16What more was there to do for my vineyard…? (Isaiah 5:4a)In the Name of Jesus, Amen. God is a gardener. He planted the first garden in Eden out of love. It was perfect; a garden that was destined to be forever green with blooming flowers and fruitful trees. God Himself watered the garden with a mist from the ground. This garden He made for man, for Adam and Eve and their offspring. The fruit of this garden that God desired, above all, was the love and joyful obedience of man. God had made it all for them to know His love and to love Him in return. But the garden's fruit began to rot. God continued to garden. He planted a people, the house of Israel and the men of Judah, His chosen people. It was the Lord's vineyard. Like the first garden, God desired His loving care for this vineyard to produce fruit…love and obedience to His Word. God is a faithful vinedresser. He did everything He could for this vineyard to be fruitful. But the fruit it produced was worthless, rotten from loveless and disobedient hearts. Out of love God destroyed this vineyard. He had its walls torn down and the vineyard trampled. By God's doing it became a waterless wasteland full of briers and thorns. He stopped the rain. He did so, not out of despair, He wasn't giving up. He was being the faithful vinedresser. He was gardening, caring for His pleasant planting.In the dried-up desolate land where the vineyard was planted was a stump. It was left there by God. The stump blossomed. It was the line of David. Jesus was the fruit born of Mary. He came to His vineyard. The vineyard rejected Him like before. But this time He would bring forth fruit on its behalf. He would do so from a tree, the cross…the fruit of perfect love and obedience. What more could He do for His vineyard? He did it by dying. We are God's pleasant planting, His church, His precious vineyard. This vineyard will never be destroyed but come to its fullness on the last day. He has joined us to Himself, the Tree of Life. In His church He does His gardening, pruning, planting, and watering. May we be fruitful in joyful love and obedience in and through Him. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. O God, you are my God;  earnestly I seek you;  my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you,  as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,  beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life,  my lips will praise you. For you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. (Psalm 63:1-3,7,9)-Pastor Preston Paul is pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Almena, WI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

October 8, 2023Today's Reading: Matthew 21:33-46Daily Lectionary: Nehemiah 4:7-23, 1 Timothy 3:1-16But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.'  And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. (Matthew 21:38, 39)In the Name of Jesus, Amen. The master of the house who planted the vineyard is God. The vineyard is Israel, God's people. The tenants of the vineyard are the religious leaders. The servants sent to gather the fruit of the vineyard are the prophets sent by God to preach and teach God's Word. The son sent by the master of house is Jesus, the only begotten Son of God. The parable was a direct and clear condemnation of the elders of the people and the chief priests. Jesus was pointing a finger directly at them, “you have done this!” God's Word from the mouth of God Himself condemned them. There was no wiggle room for these leaders. They and all who heard knew what Jesus meant. They should have repented. But rather they bound themselves in their sin and hardness of heart and desired Jesus dead. Perhaps, some by God's mercy later, after Jesus' death and resurrection, saw clearly, repented and believed with Jesus' parable still burning on their hearts and minds.Leaders of God's people, then and now, are always in grave danger of forgetting to whom the vineyard belongs. The church is always in need of faithful pastors, of tenants, to care for God's people according to His Word and will. Unfaithfulness in preaching and teaching mutes the voice of the Apostles, those sent by God, effectively killing them and throwing them out of the church. Jesus' parable serves as a reminder to pray for faithful pastors who hold tightly to the Word of God. “Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers...” (Matthew 9:38). Pray daily for your own pastor. Pray that pastors would always remember whose vineyard it is in which they work. They serve in the stead and by the command of Jesus for your salvation. Pray that the lay leaders of your congregation would support faithful ministers as they serve God's people. It is the Lord's vineyard, His people, for whom He sent His Son to die.You, and all believers, are the fruit of God's vineyard. His fruit brought forth through Baptism and faithful preaching and nurtured in the Holy Communion.  In the Name of Jesus, Amen.You brought a vine out of Egypt;   … and planted it.  Look down from heaven, and see;    have regard for this vine,   the stock that your right hand planted… Let your face shine, that we    may be saved! (Psalm 80:8,14b, 15a, 19b)-Pastor Preston Paul is pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Almena, WI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

October 7, 2023Today's Reading: Introit to Pentecost 19: Psalm 118:22-24, antiphon Psalm 118:1Daily Lectionary: Nehemiah 2:11-20, 4:1-6, 1 Timothy 2:1-15This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)In the Name of Jesus, Amen. You are a child of the day. Day is for light; for seeing clearly. You are not a child of any ordinary day but of an extraordinary day; a day coming since the creation of the world. A day set by God. A day that has come. The psalmist speaks of this day…“that the Lord has made.” (Psalm 118:24)We are talking about a specific day in history that God made. We have reason to rejoice and be glad every day because of this day, one far greater than any other. It is the day the rejected stone became the cornerstone. You are a child of that day. A day full of light and life.The Temple was built with enormous stones. The cornerstone was selected to join two walls together. The psalmist is not speaking of an earthly building or stones. He is speaking of Jesus. He is the stone that was rejected by His own people according to God's will and design. Jesus came to build something far greater than the Temple. He came to build His church of which He is the cornerstone. The church which is the household of God filled with the children of the day. The day that stone was laid in place for His church is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day of which we speak. A day of resurrection and light. Jesus was rejected. The religious leaders with the crowd cried, “crucify him.” He had done nothing deserving such rejection. Yet, He was not only rejected by His people but also by His Father. He was stricken, smitten, afflicted and forsaken by God. Rejected. Crucified. Buried. But let us get to the day, to the light that scatters the darkness… Resurrection Day. The day the stone was rolled away. The day the crucified Jesus rose, laying an everlasting foundation for His Church. He who was laid stone cold dead in the tomb, sealed by a stone, is our resurrection cornerstone. The Cornerstone who joins all the children of the day to Himself and to each other. We are children of that day, the day of Resurrection. A day the Lord has made for rejoicing and gladness. You became a child of that day, your Resurrection day, in Baptism. In Jesus, our resurrected Lord, we see clearly, as in the day, what God has done…it is marvelous in our eyes. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.Open to me the gates of righteousness,  that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord. I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you. (Psalm 118:19, 21, 28)-Pastor Preston Paul is pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Almena, WI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

October 6, 2023Today's Reading: Daily Lectionary: Nehemiah 1:1-2:10, 1 Timothy 1:1-20The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners… (1 Timothy 1:15)In the Name of Jesus, Amen. In Jesus, God saves sinners. Jesus is God. All things were created through Him. Jesus is fully man. He became enfleshed in the womb of the Virgin Mary. Jesus became a sinner. He claimed your sins as His very own. They stuck to Jesus, the God Man. You hear the voice of Jesus, the sinner, in the Psalms calling your sins His. Jesus prayed, “I acknowledged my sin.” The Psalms are the Lord's prayers given to the baptized, prayers by the sinless Son of God as sinner. God made Him who was sinless to be sin in your place. In Jesus, God saves sinners. Jesus needed saving. He became the foremost of sinners. Only He as God could save Himself. Only He could die for the sins that had become fully His. In the ignorance of unbelief those surrounding the cross unwittingly suggested He do that very thing…save Himself. “Save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross” (Matthew 27:40). “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” (Luke 23:3) And He did just that, save Himself and us. By dying in the flesh, made to be sin, as God, sin lost all its power. In Jesus sin died. By saving Himself as sinner in our place He fulfilled His Father's will to save sinners. In Jesus, God saves sinners. Jesus wasn't about saving Himself, clearly. He was all about saving you. This was His Father's will. You can't save yourself from sin. Jesus did the saving by dying. He rescued you. It is a trustworthy confession that Jesus came into the flesh to save sinners. This is the theme of the entire Bible. He did not come as a lawgiver to beat you down into despair and submission. He came as Savior. He came for all sinners. And that includes you! In Jesus, God saves sinners. It is a sin to doubt what God has said He has done and will do. It is sin to think in your heart that God can't forgive and save you. He forgives your doubts as well. Those doubts were on Him at the cross. They died. Faith, God given faith, firmly planted in you, believes, clings, trusts and accepts that Jesus is the Savior of sinners. You may not always feel that way, but it is true, nonetheless. God said so. In Jesus, God saves sinners. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.I acknowledged my sin to you,    and I did not cover my iniquity;I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”    and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,     and I am saved from my enemies. (Psalm 32:5; 18:3)-Pastor Preston Paul is pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Almena, WI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

October 5, 2023Today's Reading: Daily Lectionary: 2 Chronicles 36:1-23, Colossians 4:1-18Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Colossians 4:5-6)In the Name of Jesus. Amen. Are you a preacher or a hearer? If you are a preacher, as you well know, you must also count yourself a hearer. What does the preacher preach? The mystery of Christ, the Word of God (both Law and Gospel), repentance and Christ crucified for sinners, the forgiveness of sins. What does the hearer hear? All of the above, the clear Word that flows from the faithful preacher's open mouth…the splendid mystery of Christ revealed, the forgiveness of sins. Who do the hearers receive from the preacher? They receive Jesus. All of Him. What great gift God has given to His Church for you. He opens heaven to you through the preaching of God's ordained ministers. This is a joyful mystery of God's working in us and among us. So, we give thanks and pray for the preachers that He would open doors for the Word to be declared in all its clarity and power. Hearers (that's all of us) live as such…hearers of the Word, wherever you may find yourself. “Walk in wisdom” is another way to say the same thing. Hearers walk in and with Jesus. The baptized, who are the hearers of the Word, are baptized into Christ. Jesus is the wisdom of God who dwells in you, and you in Him. “Walk in wisdom” … walk in Jesus. Christian speech, by which I mean how we speak in all of life's situations, begins with preachers putting Jesus into our ears. How we speak to those within the household of God, fellow believers, and “outsiders” matters…it matters a lot. Gracious words are words that don't betray your hearing, and expose you to be a hypocrite…hearing one thing and speaking another. Gracious words reveal Christ in you to those who hear you. Speech “seasoned with salt” is not laced with profanity, gossip and animosity. Christian speech is not argumentative. Gracious speech is seasoned with kindness, sincerity and truth. Gracious speech is a mark of hearers living under God's grace. “Grace be with you,” that you may be gracious. “Grace be with you,” St. Paul's final word to you today, a good final word, for God's grace is His eternal kind and merciful favor towards you that you hear in the preaching of Christ crucified. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me,  O Lord God of hosts;let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me.   O God of Israel.My prayer is to you, O LORD. In the abundance of your steadfast love  answer me in your saving faithfulness. (Psalm 69:6,13)-Pastor Preston Paul is pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Almena, WI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

October 4, 2023Today's Reading: Luther's Small Catechism, The Lord's Prayer: ConclusionDaily Lectionary: 2 Chronicles 35:1-7, 16-25, Colossians 3:1-25For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.In the name of Jesus, Amen. Thine means yours. Let's be clear. Thine doesn't mean “mine.” Thine is a form of Thy before a word beginning with a vowel. Daring to be Lutheran is to boldly give all the glory to God in our praise, forever. We don't get any glory apart from Jesus. Without Jesus we have no power. Without His death and resurrection we have no kingdom to call ours. It is His kingdom to reign. It always has been. And will be forever… yes, yes…this is so.We call Him our Father because He gave His Son into death for us. The only power to save is through the Son's death and resurrection. Without the Son's saving work there is no forever and ever for us. No glory, no kingdom, nothing good for you to call “mine.” It seems pretty obvious, doesn't it? That the kingdom, power and glory are all His? But not so obvious to the world…and our sinful nature. The world is not going to acknowledge that anything truly belongs to God. Our sinful nature wants it all for itself. All of it…the kingdom, the power and the glory. By our sin we claim it all as “mine,” not “thine.” In this life we dwell in a kingdom fiercely opposed to God's kingdom. Satan is the prince of this world. This world is presently his kingdom. We pray in the Lord's Prayer that God would protect and guard us from the devil's evil reign which surrounds us. God's Word empowers us to live godly lives under this tyrannical rule. So, we pray… “Thy kingdom come!” Your kingdom, as an heir with Jesus, prepared for you.God alone has the power to create and recreate. “The whole world lies under the power of the evil one… [but] we are from God” (1 John 5:19) The power of sin is death. Death has no power over us who have been baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus. God's saving power, secured in Jesus crucified, is for you, your power over sin, death and the devil.The glory of the Father, simply put, is Jesus. Jesus is the glory of the Father because He took on visible flesh and died on the cross. When you see Jesus, you see God's glory. Jesus is God in flesh forever and ever. He is your Savior Jesus, your glory for all eternity. Because of Jesus, your Baptism into Him, the kingdom, the power and the glory of the Father are all yours. Fully and completely, all freely. Go ahead, call what is His, your very own. Now and forever. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.The LORD is great in Zion;  he is exalted over all the peoples.Let them praise your great and awesome name!  Holy is he! (Psalm 99:2-3) -Pastor Preston Paul is pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Almena, WI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Leviticus 23:1-44. As the LORD orders holy places for His people, so He orders holy times for His people. The Sabbath was the LORD's gift of weekly rest for His people, so that they would trust that He is their Creator and Redeemer. The Feasts of Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, and Weeks were clustered toward the beginning of their year, and the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Booths were clustered around the middle of the year. In this way, the LORD ordered His people's lives around His gifts, so that they would receive all things from Him with thanksgiving. “The Holiness of God” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Leviticus. Because God desired to dwell among His sinful people for their blessing rather than their destruction, He gave them the sacrifices and regulations of Leviticus to bestow His holiness upon them. In this way, the book of Leviticus points us to Christ who is our great High Priest who offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice to make us holy before God.

In this episode, Kyle interviews the Reverend Dr. Brian Rajcok, Lead Pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Avon, Connecticut, who recently completed his Ph.D. in pastoral counseling. Rajcok dives into the intersection of spirituality, religion, mysticism, and how psychedelics bring these topics together, discussing a transformative peyote ceremony and the awe-inspiring moments of surrender, connection, and divine presence that left a lasting impact on him and deepened his connection to God. And he talks about his recently completed dissertation that was inspired by it all: "The Lived Experience of Professional Mental Health Clinicians With Spiritually Significant Psychedelic Experiences," which he created to gauge the relationship between religious spiritual commitment, tolerance, and multicultural counselor competency. He shares stories from the study and reflections on how these experiences have changed the way involved clinicians work.  And he discusses much more in the realm of psychedelics and religion: why he pursued pastoral counseling and how psychedelics come into play; the balance between tradition and reason and spiritual commitment and tolerance; the legal and regulatory considerations of religious psychedelic use; the concept of a faith quadrilateral; the need for psychedelic experiences in counseling training programs; the big question of 'when is it religion and when is it mental health care?'; and how the future of psychedelic spirituality could be humanity's biggest evolution. Click here to head to the show notes page. 

Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 25. Psalm 25 is an acrostic poem that teaches and prays concerning a wide range of Christian experience. David prays that the Lord would keep His promises so that David would not be put to shame. In order that he better know the promises of the Lord, David asks that God would teach him and guide him according to the Word. David knows his failings; he knows that he is dependent upon the Lord's mercy and steadfast love. That is why David looks to the Lord for true doctrine and for help in time of need. This help is not only for David, and so David invites all of God's people to trust in the Lord and call upon Him for help in confidence. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 2:1-7. The seven letters to the seven churches in Asia Minor share many features. Each one is addressed to the angel of the church. Since the word “angel” means “messenger,” this would seem to indicate the pastor or bishop of the church. The first letter is sent to the church in Ephesus. Jesus identifies Himself as the One who is holding the angels of the churches and is present among His churches. He encourages the church in Ephesus in their patient endurance in resisting false teaching, yet He critques the way they have abandoned the love they had at first. He calls them to repent and promises the fruit of the tree of life to the one who conquers by faith. “Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of supreme hope in our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord. The book of Revelation gives a heavenly perspective on our earthly circumstances so that the Church in every generation is challenged, comforted, and assured of final victory through Jesus Christ.

Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 14:15-21. Jesus continues His Upper Room Discourse with His disciples, preparing them for His upcoming passion, death, and resurrection. In love for Him, His disciples will keep His commandments. To aid them, Jesus will ask the Father, who will send them the Spirit of truth to be their Helper and Comforter. Though the world will not receive Him, the Holy Spirit will dwell with and in the disciples. In this way, Jesus will not leave His disciples as orphans, but they will continue to live in Him. They will keep His commandments, the Father will love them, and Jesus will manifest Himself to them. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus' life and ministry. As we read the Word of God recorded by St. John, the Holy Spirit works in us so that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and so have life by faith in His name.

Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Lutheran Service Book #349, “Hark the Glad Sound.” This Advent hymn by Philip Doddridge calls us to listen to the good news that the long-promised Savior has come. He prepares our hearts to receive Him with humility and thanksgiving. Jesus comes to set us free from the bondage of Satan; He comes to heal our hearts and souls with the treasures of His grace. For His coming, we praise Him with songs of “Hosanna” not only now but forever. “The Hymns of Advent'' is a series on Sharper Iron that looks at a variety of the hymns found in the Advent section Lutheran Service Book. The season of Advent prepares us for Christ's coming. The hymns of Advent teach that this is more than getting ready for Christmas; the Word of the Lord sung in hymnody helps us to receive Christ as He comes to us now in the means of grace and when He comes again in glory on the Last Day.

Rev. Dr. Jeff Dukeman, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Gulfport, MS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 27:1-8. Moses begins his third sermon in the book of Deuteronomy. As Moses' earthly life draws to a close and the people will be under new leadership, the elders join Moses in instructing the people. The emphasis on keeping the LORD's Word continues. When the people enter into the Promised Land, they are to have a physical reminder of the importance of God's Word by constructing an altar on Mount Ebal. Uncut stones will be covered in plaster so that the Word of God can be written on the altar; perhaps this is the entire book of Deuteronomy or the Decalogue. The sacrifices offered at this altar will be a joyful reminder of what God has done and what God has spoken to His people. “The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Deuteronomy. Though Moses' lengthy sermons in Deuteronomy may be tempting to skip, this influential book is essential reading for Christians. As Moses strengthened Israel on the plains of Moab before the people entered the Promised Land, so the book of Deuteronomy still strengthens the Church as we prepare to enter the Resurrection with Christ, the Prophet greater than Moses.

Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 18:1-14. Moses teaches Israel how to care for the Levites and priests. The Levites and priests have no inheritance of land among the people; the LORD is their inheritance. The people of Israel provide for the physical needs of these servants of the LORD through the offering of their firstfruits. Moses transitions to speaking about the office of prophet in Israel by exposing various abominations among the Canaanites who will be displaced from the Promised Land. If Israel follows in the way of such abominations, they will be driven out themselves. Instead, Israel must listen to the LORD's Word alone for their instruction.' “The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Deuteronomy. Though Moses' lengthy sermons in Deuteronomy may be tempting to skip, this influential book is essential reading for Christians. As Moses strengthened Israel on the plains of Moab before the people entered the Promised Land, so the book of Deuteronomy still strengthens the Church as we prepare to enter the Resurrection with Christ, the Prophet greater than Moses.

Rev. Charles Henrickson — Instructor of Online Greek and Latin Courses for Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education (CCLE) and Pastor of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Bonne Terre and Grace Lutheran Church in De Soto, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about when he first studied Greek and Latin, how these languages have served him, why a layperson would want to learn Greek and/or Latin, and how adults can learn Greek and/or Latin online with CCLE. Learn more at ccle.org/2022-2023-adult-greek-and-latin-online-classes. Resources mentioned in this episode include Wheelock's Latin, Fundamental Greek Grammar, and a Greek New Testament.

Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 15:1-21. When men from Judea come to Syrian Antioch claiming that Gentiles must be circumcised to be saved, Paul and Barnabas know that the heart of the Gospel was at stake. The church in Antioch sends Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem to settle the matter according to the Word of God. After the delegation from Antioch is welcomed by the church in Jerusalem, the apostles and elders meet together to consider the question at hand. Peter is first to speak, reminding the assembly what God had revealed to them Peter's vision: Gentiles are saved by God's grace, just as the Jews. Paul and Barnabas then recount God's work on their recent journey. Finally, James the brother of Jesus reminds the gathering that salvation for the Gentiles by God's grace is precisely what the prophet Amos had written. James speaks the judgment that the Gentiles should not be troubled by being forced into circumcision, but that they should be instructed to continue steadfast in their keeping of the 1st Commandment. “To the End of the Earth” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Acts. In his second volume, St. Luke records all the things that Jesus continued to do through the ministry of His Church. By the end of the book, the proclamation of the Lord's Word that began in Jerusalem grows all the way to Rome. By God's grace, even now, that same Word is proclaimed to us.

Rev. Dr. Jeff Dukeman, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Gulfport, MS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Acts 9:20-31. Saul's conversion has immediate effect. The one who had come to Damascus breathing threats against Jesus' disciples now begins to proclaim that Jesus is the Son of God. Those who hear him are understandably confused, yet Saul continues to increase in wisdom as he proves from the Scripture that Jesus is the Christ. Saul's proclamation of Jesus quickly earns him the same persecution he once sought to deliver, so he must escape Damascus by night. He eventually goes to Jerusalem, where the disciples are also still afraid. Barnabas lives up to his name, “son of encouragement,” when he vouches for Saul to the apostles. Yet still in Jerusalem, Saul's faith earns him death threats, and so he is sent to Tarsus for a time. Meanwhile, God continues to build His Church in peace, in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. “To the End of the Earth” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Acts. In his second volume, St. Luke records all the things that Jesus continued to do through the ministry of His Church. By the end of the book, the proclamation of the Lord's Word that began in Jerusalem grows all the way to Rome. By God's grace, even now, that same Word is proclaimed to us.

Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Luke 22:24-38. The disciples' questions concerning who would betray Jesus turn into a dispute concerning who is the greatest. As they have throughout Jesus' ministry, the disciples continue to misunderstand the way Jesus will bring the kingdom of God through His suffering and death. Jesus teaches them that earthly greatness is not a concern in His kingdom; rather, life in the kingdom of God is one of service. The disciples will give that service after Jesus' ascension as pastors in the early church, even as all Christians continue to serve in their vocations today. Jesus knows that Peter will deny Him, even as Peter denies that such a thing could ever happen. Yet the Lord still seeks to strengthen Peter and all His disciples for the persecution to come. Even though the disciples do not understand at the moment, the Lord will make them His faithful servants after the Holy Spirit is given on Pentecost. “The Beloved Physician's Orderly Account” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. Luke. The Evangelist wrote his well-researched account of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection so that Theophilus would have certainty concerning the things he had been taught. As we still read the Word of God recorded by St. Luke, our gracious Lord gives us that same certainty that Jesus is our Savior.

Rev. Dr. Jeff Dukeman, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Gulfport, MS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Luke 16:19-31. Jesus continues to seek after the lost Pharisees by using the illustration of Lazarus and the rich man. Though Lazarus is poor in this life, he is known to God by name, and his faith results in the riches of eternal life. The fact that the angels carry Lazarus to Abraham's side at death brings comfort to Christians as we face death. Though the rich man has all he wants in this life, he is unknown to God by name, and his unbelief results in the poverty of hell. Here Jesus portrays the great reversal that happens in the kingdom of God. The one who was sure his heritage or deeds would keep him in the kingdom found out that he was actually outside. The truth for salvation is found in the Word of God; those who would be saved must listen to God in His Word and nowhere else. “The Beloved Physician's Orderly Account” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. Luke. The Evangelist wrote his well-researched account of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection so that Theophilus would have certainty concerning the things he had been taught. As we still read the Word of God recorded by St. Luke, our gracious Lord gives us that same certainty that Jesus is our Savior.