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Artwork for Sharper Iron from KFUO Radio

Sharper Iron from KFUO Radio

KFUO Radio
Genesis
Jesus Christ
Philippians
Abraham
Faith
Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
Lutheran Church Extension Fund
Noah
1 Thessalonians
Creation
Thanksgiving
Colossians
Isaac
Paul
Baptism
Marriage
Sarah
Covenant
Genesis 3
2 Thessalonians

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. Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, wh... more

PublishesDailyEpisodes1777Founded12 years ago
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Religion & Spirituality

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Artwork for Sharper Iron from KFUO Radio

Latest Episodes

In a pagan area away from Jerusalem, Jesus questions His disciples concerning what others say about Himself. While the answers given include elements of truth, none are complete. Jesus turns the question to the disciples themselves. Who do THEY say J... more

The Pharisees and Sadducees continue to refuse to believe in Jesus, and they insincerely ask Him for a sign. Jesus rebukes them for knowing how to recognize the coming weather but for failing to recognize the coming of the Christ. Therefore, Jesus re... more

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Jesus continues His compassionate ministry in Galilee by teaching and healing great crowds. As they come to Him with great urgency, Jesus heals their disabilities. As the crowds glorify the God of Israel, Jesus tells the disciples His will of feeding... more

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Historically, the people of Tyre and Sidon were enemies of God’s people. It’s no wonder, then, that the Evangelist draws our attention to the presence of a Canaanite woman there who confesses the truth about Jesus as the Son of David as she prays for... more

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Recent Guests

Ned Moerbe
Pastor, Memorial Lutheran Church and School, Houston, Texas
Memorial Lutheran Church and School, Houston, Texas
Episode: Matthew 13:31-35: The Mustard Seed Leavens the Whole Lump
Mark Barz
Campus chaplain at Concordia Seminary
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri
Episode: Matthew 13:10-17: Blessed Eyes and Ears
Scott Murray
Pastor Emeritus, Houston, Texas; third vice president of the LCMS
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Episode: Matthew 10:32-42: The Confession of the Cross
Sean Smith
Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church
Grace Lutheran Church, Clarksville, Tennessee
Episode: Matthew 10:16-31: Wise Serpents and Innocent Doves
Tim Sandeno
Missionary church planter
Spandallum, Germany
Episode: Matthew 10:5-15: Preaching Peace to Lost Sheep
Daniel Brege
Reverend Dr. Daniel Brege, pastor
St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble near Decatur, Indiana
Episode: Matthew 9:18-34: Death, Disability, and Demons Overcome
Chris Hull
Pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Student Center
Immanuel Lutheran Church and Student Center, Macomb, Illinois
Episode: Matthew 7:7-14: Knock on the Narrow Gate
Richard Mittwede
Pastor Emeritus
Austin, Texas
Episode: Matthew 5:27-32: Marriage Breakers
Thomas Egger
Rev. Dr., President of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
Episode: Matthew 5:21-26: Murderous Anger

Host

Timothy Appel
Pastor and host of the show, affiliated with Faith Lutheran Church, Godfrey, Illinois; frequently collaborates with guest pastors to explore Scripture.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 135 ratings
  • Worth it

    This is a good program; each episode repays a careful listen. I appreciate the solid Bible teaching.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    wchggl
    United States2 years ago
  • Great Bible study

    Listening to Sharper Iron is an excellent way to study God’s Word! The content is theologically deep, while still being accessible and understandable. Pastor Appel is a clear communicator and chooses knowledgeable guest pastors to dive into the Scriptures together. This program has definitely sharpened my faith over the years!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    K.A.10
    United States3 years ago
  • This is an excellent resource for Bible study and devotion!

    Podcast Addict
    5
    TubaPete
    4 years ago
  • Excellent podcast with two pastors discussing a section of scripture on weekdays. Always a good listen to gain a better understanding of God's Word.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    KS Highwayman
    6 years ago
  • Wonderful, intentional tool for studying scripture

    Pastor Appel does a wonderful job of asking just the right questions of his guests to keep the show conversational while highly informative. As a Lutheran pastor myself, it’s a wonderful blessing to hear the voices of friends from around the country as they provide sound Biblical teaching and, as a result, a podcast I feel confident directing my congregation to utilize for further study of God’s word!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    pastordbeck
    United States6 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Regular praise for accessible yet deep exegesis and thoughtful guests.
Listener feedback emphasizes solid Bible teaching and careful, doctorally-informed discussion.
Audience notes the show provides reliable Lutheran theological perspective and practical faith guidance.

Top Religion & Spirituality Podcasts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Matthew 13:31-35: The Mustard Seed Leavens the Whole Lump
Q: As we get started today, Pastor, remind us of the context as we pick up the section in the middle of Matthew Chapter 13.
We're in the middle of a sequence of parables about the kingdom of heaven, with Jesus speaking to the crowds and his disciples. The two brief parables here—the mustard seed and the leaven—illustrate how the kingdom begins in humility and grows beyond obvious expectations, fulfilling prophetic expectation.
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23: The Parable of the Sower
Q: Could you explain the first hearing of the word and what it means that the evil one snatches away the seed on the path?
The Word of the kingdom is the message of God's reign; in this first case, misunderstanding or lack of reception allows Satan to snatch away the word, underscoring the need to treasure and understand the Word when it is preached so it can take root and yield fruit.
Matthew 13:10-17: Blessed Eyes and Ears
Q: Why does Jesus begin to speak in parables to the crowds?
Because to the crowds he speaks in parables so that while some remain blind, the truth is still proclaimed and hidden in a way that reveals itself to those who are open, namely the disciples, while others continue to stumble over the direct speech that fails to produce belief. The disciples are chosen to receive deeper insight into the kingdom, while others are left without that understanding.
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43: The Parable of the Weeds
Q: What is the overarching takeaway Jesus wants his followers to grasp from this parable?
The main takeaway is to endure patiently until the end, trusting that God will judge and separate the faithful from the unfaithful at the final harvest, rather than attempting to uproot all the weeds prematurely.
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43: The Parable of the Weeds
Q: Do you think this parable is presented to the crowds or only to the disciples, and how does that affect its interpretation?
The episode suggests it is presented to both crowds and disciples, with the explanation given privately to the disciples to aid their understanding, implying a two-tier communication where deeper meaning is revealed to the inner circle.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sharper Iron from KFUO Radio

What is Sharper Iron from KFUO Radio about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A biblically focused discussion program where two pastors systematically unpack Scripture, with heavy emphasis on Lutheran interpretation and Christ-centered application. Episodes frequently center on Psalms and Old Testament prophecy, weaving doctrinal clarity, pastoral guidance, and practical faith-building to help listeners study God's Word more deeply. Notable strengths include a steady host-guest dynamic, theologian-level insights from pastor guests, and a cadence that makes dense exposition accessible for lay listeners. The show often ties ancient texts to Christ and church life, making it appealing for Christians seeking rigorous Bible study with pastoral perspective and sermon-ready ideas for teaching and prayer.

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1. Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio
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Sharper Iron from KFUO Radio launched 12 years ago and published 1777 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Sharper Iron from KFUO Radio?

Recent guests on Sharper Iron from KFUO Radio include:

1. Ned Moerbe
2. Mark Barz
3. Scott Murray
4. Sean Smith
5. Tim Sandeno
6. Daniel Brege
7. Chris Hull
8. Richard Mittwede

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