Sharper Iron — The Word Made Flesh: In the Beginning Was the Word

Rev. Dr. William Weinrich, professor of historical theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 1:1-5.

The first five verses of the Gospel according to St. John set the stage for the entire book. Jesus is proclaimed as the Word; He is God, and He truly reveals God to us. He is responsible for the creation and existence of all things; He brings light and life that no darkness can overcome. As he writes his account of Christ’s life and ministry, John calls himself “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” for there is no greater blessing for any of us than to be one beloved by the Lord.

“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.

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.

John 1:1-5

The Word Became Flesh

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ²He was in the beginning with God. ³All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. ⁴In him was life,^[a] and the life was the light of men. ⁵The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

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Footnotes

John 1:4 Or was not any thing made. That which has been made was life in him

Rev. Timothy Appel

Although a mathematics degree may not be incredibly helpful to (proudly born-and-raised Texan) Rev. Timothy Appel while hosting Sharper Iron, his love of CFW Walther and the season of Easter will come in handy. His Call is shepherding the flock at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, Illinois, and he’s also husband to wife Kristin and dad to their growing basketball team of children. When he’s not carrying out pastoral duties, you may find him reading “The Lord of the Rings,” snacking on Reese’s peanut butter cups, playing dominoes with his boys, or studying up on Texas history (including Sam Houston, of course).