Sharper Iron — The Gospel in Action: The Light Shines in the Darkness

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Rev. Dr. Adam Filipek, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church and Immanuel Lutheran Church, both in Lidgerwood, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 4:21-25.

Jesus continues to teach in parables in order to proclaim His rule and reign for sinners. He compares Himself to a lamp that is meant to be set on a stand. Though at the time Jesus spoke the parable, His light was not fully seen, He will make Himself known as the Son of God when He dies on the cross for the salvation of sinners. This calls for careful listening. Those who measure Jesus as the scribes and Pharisees, according to their own legalistic standards, will be measured the same way and will receive only condemnation. Instead, faithful hearing means using the measure that Jesus Himself gives, by receiving Him on His own terms in the Gospel. With this truth in place, Holy Scripture is an open book that gives more and more treasure in Christ crucified and risen for sinners.

“The Gospel in Action” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. Mark. The Evangelist hits the ground running with the very first verse of his Gospel account, and he never lets up the pace. As one deed of Jesus comes right after another, always paired with His authoritative Word, St. Mark proclaims the good news that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, revealed conclusively by His death on the cross.

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, where your investments help support the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit lcef.org.

Mark 4:21-25

A Lamp Under a Basket

21 And he said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? 22 For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” 24 And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. 25 For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

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English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.