Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, associate pastor and headmaster at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 50:1-20. Jeremiah’s oracles against the nations have been building to the climax of these words from God to Babylon. The message of the defeat of Babylon and its idols must be proclaimed far and wide. The LORD’s destruction of these enemies means gathering and restoration for His people. He will not let their enemies go unpunished; all stand accountable before Him. His people must flee from Babylon because the LORD is bringing about its destruction. Their pride has led to their fall as the LORD brings His vengeance upon them. Though Israel had been hunted like a sheep, the LORD will bring His people back to His sheepfold in complete forgiveness. The historical reality of what the LORD did to the nation of Babylon through their defeat by the Persians points to the greater reality of what the LORD has done for His Church in defeating sin, death, and the devil

Rev. Andrew Jagow, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 49:23-39. Jeremiah’s oracles against foreign nations continue to work their way closer and closer to Babylon. Damascus, the capital of Aram, had often been at war with Judah; the LORD promises that His judgment will come against them, even as His love for these sinners is expressed. Kedar and Hazor were nomadic Arabian kingdoms famous for their warriors; the LORD tells them that He will work His plan and purpose of their judgment through Nebuchadnezzar. Elam was a neighbor of Babylon; its capital was at Susa. The LORD makes it clear that He is the One to act against them, yet He promises their restoration, seen particularly in connections to the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2. Even as the LORD speaks judgment against foreign nations, He reminds us that He does so to bring about repentance and faith in His Son Jesus Christ for people of every nation. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is

Rev. Timothy Appel goes “Back to the Forge” to answer a variety of listener email from the series on Jeremiah. What sort of influence did Assyria have on the kingdom of Judah? What should we expect from God when we pray for our enemies and those who have fallen from the faith? How can an insight from the Hebrew sharpen the picture of God’s power Jeremiah 37? Sharpen your faith in Christ by engaging with the Word of God with Pastor Appel in response to listener questions and feedback. Do you have a question, topic, or guest you’d like to hear on Back to the Forge? Send an email to kfuo@kfuo.org and let us know! 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.

Rev. Clint Poppe, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 49:1-22. The LORD gives Jeremiah a word to speak to Ammon and Edom. Ammon traced its lineage to Lot, Abraham’s nephew; their history in relationship to Judah was often filled with strife. Their worship of the idol Milcom, or Molech, led to the horrific practice of child sacrifice. Their pride led to their fall; their economic success would be brought to ruin. Yet even to the Ammonites, the LORD extended His promise of restoration. Edom traced its lineage to Esau, Jacob’s older twin brother. Though they were known for wisdom, they lacked the true wisdom of the fear of the LORD. Edom too would drink the cup of the LORD’s wrath along with the other nations. Texts that speak of the judgment of other nations are a reminder that we too need to repent and turn only to Jesus Christ for salvation. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book

Rev. Sam Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 48:11-47. The oracle against Moab continues on account of his great pride. The worship of the idol, Chemosh, is condemned and punished as calamity comes upon Moab. Yet the LORD does not delight in the death of the sinner; He works for repentance and faith. The entire land of Moab will be laid waste by the Babylonians, and the Moabites will mourn in their pagan ways. The LORD’s Word through His prophet Jeremiah calls the Moabites to recognize that this destruction is not a chance of history, but that it is the LORD’s doing. As the people of Chemosh, Moab has no hope for anything but death or captivity. Yet the LORD would call them to be His people through repentance and faith and promises them restoration through the coming Savior, Jesus, whose family tree includes the Moabitess, Ruth. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Jeremi

Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 47:1-48:10. Jeremiah’s second and third oracles to foreign nations address Israel’s neighbors to their west and east. The Philistines lived along the seacoast and had long been enemies of the LORD’s people. The Moabites lived east of the Dead Sea and also had found themselves in numerous conflicts with Israel throughout the Old Testament. The LORD addresses them both to let them know that the judgment they face comes from Him. The Philistines experience the LORD’s judgment both at the hands of Egypt from the south and at the hands of Babylon from the north. Moab receives disaster for its great pride and idol worship of Chemosh. Recognizing that the LORD is the God over all history and all nations, Christians repent of their sins in the face of disaster and take comfort in the truth that God has not forgotten His people. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Sharper Ir

Rev. Matt Wietfeldt, Director of Admissions and the Christ Academy program at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 46:1-28. The book of Jeremiah begins a section of oracles directed to the foreign nations surrounding the land of Israel. Jeremiah faithfully preaches God’s Word according to his call to be a prophet to the nations beginning with the land of Egypt. The historical setting is the battle of Carchemish in 605 B.C. Though the Egyptian commanders barked their orders in confidence of victory, the Babylonian army defeated them. This was no historical accident; this was the LORD’s doing. He brought His day of judgment upon the Egyptians as He had once done in the Passover and the Exodus. By bringing the Babylonians to wreak havoc on Egypt, the LORD showed that He, and not Pharaoh, was truly King. Through these actions, the LORD reminded His own people that He had not forgotten them and was working for their ultimate salvation. The LORD also was

Rev. Joel Heckmann, pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Okarche, OK, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 44:1-45:5. As Jeremiah preaches to the Judeans living in Egypt, he diagnoses their condition as spiritual amnesia. They have forgotten the LORD’s Word and the judgments He has promised and sent for rebellion. Yet the people respond more defiantly than ever. They refuse to listen to the LORD’s Word, opting instead for what seems the pragmatic options. Idol worship seems to work better for their physical well-being. It makes them happy, so they choose that, reversing the order of the family in the process. Jeremiah responds by challenging the people to follow through with their idolatry and see how the LORD proves His Word true. A brief flashback concerning Baruch is a reminder that the LORD’s Word does come to pass, and He does not forget His faithful people. That the LORD set His face against His people in this text highlights the graciousness of God when He set His face against His Son, J

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 43:1-13. Just as Jeremiah expected, the remnant of Judah rejected the LORD’s command to remain in the Promised Land. In an effort to avoid God’s Word, they accuse Jeremiah of being a liar and Baruch of intending to betray them to the Babylonians. These far-flung accusations reveal just how far sinners will go to reject God’s Word and act as god themselves. Afraid that Jeremiah and Baruch will inform on them to the Babylonians, the remnant of Judah flees to Egypt, yet they cannot escape the LORD or His Word. In Egypt, Jeremiah is given another action prophecy. He buries two stones as a sign that Nebuchadnezzar will come as God’s servant to bring judgment upon the idolatry of Egypt. This text calls the Church to forsake any idols in order to remain a light to the nations and continue steadfastly in her intercessory role on behalf of the world. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-s

Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller, pastor at St. Paul and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Churches in Austin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 42:1-22. Before they flee to Egypt, the remnant of Judah requests prayer and the Word of the LORD from Jeremiah. He promises a faithful answer, and they promise an obedient response. The ten day waiting period is a reminder of Jeremiah’s faithfulness in repeating the true Word of the LORD. The Word he is given to speak in this case is direct. There are two ways. Remain in Judah and live, or flee to Egypt and die. The promise of mercy attached to remaining in Judah is full of grace; the promise of judgment attached to fleeing to Egypt is full of disaster. Yet Jeremiah knows what the people will do. He has seen them reject the LORD’s Word repeatedly and expects that they once again are only approaching him in hypocrisy. The text calls preachers to faithfulness in proclaiming God’s Word even to those who reject it, and it calls hearers to repentance when they are given a Wor

Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 41:1-18. The murder of Gedaliah crushes the short-lived peace for the remnant of Judah in the Promised Land. Ishamel proves himself to be brutal and bloodthirsty as he kills the governor while eating with him and then slaughtering religious pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem. Johanan’s forces are able to rescue the captives of Ishmael and push him into retreat. Under Johanan’s leadership, this now-smaller remnant considers fleeing to Egypt for safety. The brutality of this chapter provides a lens through which we can see the sinful human condition, so that we might repent of our own sin. The Biblical themes of betrayal, captivity, ransom, and redemption found in this chapter all shed light on the ultimate way that God works for the good of sinners through the Savior, Jesus Christ. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of

Rev. Tim Koch, pastor at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank, SD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 40:1-16. Jerusalem has fallen, but life in Judah continues for Jeremiah and the other survivors. Though likely unknowingly, the Babylonian captain gives a faithful theological interpretation of what has happened: the LORD has brought His judgment on His people for their rebellion. Nebuzaradan sets Jeremiah free and gives him the choice of going to Babylon or staying in Judah. As a faithful prophet to God’s people, he declines relative comfort in Babylon in order to proclaim God’s Word in Judah, even if it means suffering. He goes to Mizpah, where Gedaliah has been appointed by the Babylonians to govern Judah. As Gedaliah gives instructions to remaining residents of Judah and more of God’s people gather, the future appears hopeful for a moment. However, the beginning of a plot against Gedaliah’s life and the response to it reveal that the people still are more concerned about political machinations

Rev. Dan Speckhard, pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church and School in North Judson, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 39:1-18. The long foretold event finally arrives. In the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, Jerusalem falls to the Babylonians. Foreigners invade God’s holy city. Despite Jeremiah’s consistent warnings, Zedekiah tries to flee, only to be captured and receive horrific judgment from Nebuchadnezzar. In the aftermath, Jeremiah’s preaching continues to be proven faithful as those who submit to Babylon live. Jeremiah himself receives clemency from the Babylonians, living in Judah under care of Gedaliah. The LORD does not fail to care for His faithful people, even the foreigner. Through such a dark event, the LORD allows for the light of His Gospel to shine all the greater. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Jeremiah. The prophet calls the people of Judah and Jerusalem to repent of their faithless idolatry and warns

Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 38:1-28. Jeremiah continues to preach that only those who surrender to the Babylonians, earning him the scorn of King Zedekiah’s officials. Concerned only with military morale, they exert their power over Zedekiah to throw Jeremiah into a muddy cistern. It is an Ethiopian who finally speaks up on behalf of Jeremiah, prompting weak-willed Zedekiah to allow Ebed-melech to rescue the prophet. Jeremiah’s suffering and vindication serve as a foreshadow of the ministry of Jesus. Zedekiah secretly seeks Jeremiah’s counsel once again, desperately attempting to discern the times. Yet he fails because he does not heed the difficult but certain Word of God spoken by the prophet. In this way, Jeremiah’s faithful and consistent preaching reminds us that only God’s Word serves as a solid foundation.   “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Je

Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 37:1-21. King Zedekiah, like his predecessors, did not listen to the Word of the LORD. Apart from faith, he asked Jeremiah to pray to the LORD, though the wicked king was already banking on the help of Egypt rather than the LORD. Jeremiah spoke the LORD’s Word faithfully as he had in the past. Though Babylon had temporarily left the siege, they would come back and destroy Jerusalem. When Jeremiah tried to use the temporary absence of the Babylonian army to take care of some family business in his hometown, he was falsely accused of desertion and imprisoned in horrible conditions. After some time, King Zedekiah secretly asked Jeremiah for a word from the LORD. Jeremiah responded faithfully yet again and questioned the king concerning his mistreatment. Though Zedekiah still did not trust the LORD’s Word, he did ease Jeremiah’s suffering to a degree. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build”

Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 36:1-32. Four years into the reign of King Jehoiakim, Jeremiah has been preaching for more than twenty years. The LORD now commands His faithful prophet to write down those words, which are not Jeremiah’s, but the LORD’s. Jeremiah does so by dictating to his faithful scribe, Baruch. Because Jeremiah has been banned from the temple, he sends Baruch to read the scroll at a time when a large crowd is gathered for a fast. One of the king’s servants hears the word of the LORD and, with the help of others, provides for the scroll to be read before King Jehoiakim. Rather than hearing in repentance and faith, as his father Josiah had once done, Jehoiakim burns the scroll one piece at a time and threatens Jeremiah and Baruch with death. The LORD keeps them safe, however, and provides that His Word be written faithfully a second time, in order to preserve it not only during the coming exile, but even to

Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee’s Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 35:1-19. The LORD sends Jeremiah to speak to the Rechabites. In 1 Chronicles 2, the Rechabites are connected with the Kenites, a group of people that historically had good relations with the people of Israel. Jeremiah gathers the Rechabites with important witnesses in one of the chambers of the temple of the LORD. He sets before them wine and invites them to drink. They refuse Jeremiah’s offer out of obedience to a command given by their father Jonadab. Abstinence from wine is a part of the lifestyle he gave to them, which they have not given up even as they sought protection from the Babylonians by living in Jerusalem. The LORD commands Jeremiah to use this as an object lesson to His people. The key is the obedience of the Rechabites. They faithfully listened to their father’s command and obeyed what he had said. This stands in stark contrast with the people of Judah. They repeatedl

Rev. Matt Ulmer, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bishop, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 34:1-22. The situation is dire in Jerusalem. The Babylonians and the vassal states under their control have surrounded the city. Jeremiah is sent to wicked king Zedekiah to tell him that he will not escape. He will come face to face with Nebuchadnezzar once Jerusalem is captured. Though he will not die in battle, he will die in Babylon. Following this word from Jeremiah, Zedekiah leads the people of Jerusalem in a covenant by which they promise to set free their Hebrew slaves, according to the LORD’s Word in Exodus and Deuteronomy. Any repentance is short-lived, however. When the Babylonian army briefly withdraws to deal with Egypt, the residents of Jerusalem break their promise and enslave their brothers once more. Jeremiah proclaims the LORD’s judgment on His people for yet another broken promise. Their covenant ceremony of passing through pieces of a calf will come to bear on them in death an

Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 33:1-26. While Jeremiah is still imprisoned by King Zedekiah, the LORD brings His Word a second time. He reveals to Jeremiah His deeds that are not known to human reason. Despite the people’s attempts to stave off the Babylonians, the LORD will use them as His servants to bring His judgment upon His people. Yet the LORD still promises that He will rebuild His people as they had been at first, calling them back to true faith in Him. He will restore the sounds of joy to His people, ultimately in giving His Son as the bridegroom to His bride, the Church. Jesus will come as the righteous Branch from the line of David, the true and eternal King of God’s people; He will bestow His righteous name upon His people. He serves as the priest and advocate for God’s people before the Father. The covenant that is established in Jesus is eternal. Just as no man can break the LORD’s bringing of the day and th

Rev. Dr. Christopher Jackson, pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Algoma, WI and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Forestville, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 32:26-44. The LORD answers Jeremiah’s prayer concerning his purchase of the field in Anathoth. The LORD declares that nothing is too hard for Him and reiterates His judgment upon the people of Judah and Jerusalem at the hands of the Babylonians. His people have provoked Him to anger by their idolatry, even as priests literally turned their back on the Most Holy Place to engage in the worship of other gods. For their abominations, the LORD will bring His destruction upon His people. His promise to His people is just as certain. He will bring His people back to dwell in safety and to worship Him alone. The land that He has made into a desolation He will restore once again. These promises find their ultimate fulfillment in the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Jesus. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on