Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Rick Jones, chaplain and director of spiritual life at the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch in Minot, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 32:1-25. The destruction of Jerusalem is near. Jeremiah has been put in prison under house arrest by Zedekiah, the last king of Judah. When the king questions Jeremiah’s faithful preaching, the prophet responds by relating the Word from the LORD. The LORD commanded Jeremiah to buy a field in Anathoth from his cousin Hanamel. Though engaging in a real estate transaction when Judah is on the brink of disaster seems outlandish, Jeremiah does exactly as the LORD instructs. By this action, the LORD intends to proclaim to His people that He will restore them again. Jeremiah calls out to the LORD in prayer, naming Him as the Creator of all things and the Redeemer of Israel from slavery in Egypt. Though He had brought His people to the land of milk and honey, His people only disobeyed Him and worshiped other gods. For that reason, Jeremiah knows that the destructio

Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church and School in Terra Bella, CA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 31:27-40. The LORD promises that days are coming when He will repopulate His people in their land; He will keep the promise He made concerning the Seed in Genesis 3. This act of new creation brings with it a new covenant. The people of God had broken the covenant that He had made with them at Sinai; therefore, He promises a new covenant that will be written not on tablets of stone, but upon their hearts. This new covenant will be based on the forgiveness of sins, fulfilled in the death and resurrection of Jesus and given in His Holy Supper. The LORD points to the workings of His creation that His love for His people will not cease; He will rebuild His people as His Church through the work of His Son, Jesus Christ. “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 re

Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor at Peace Lutheran Church in Finlayson, MN and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bruno, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 31:1-26. Jeremiah continues his Book of Comfort with reminders of what the LORD did for His people in the Exodus; the return from exile would be another act of God’s undeserved everlasting love for His people. This salvation would bring the return of joyful sounds in the land of Israel as the LORD acted on behalf of His dearly loved child. Jerusalem would once again be the place of feasting. Though the exile was a deeply grievous event, the LORD promised return and resurrection for His people. His discipline and words of judgment were an act of love in order to show His mercy. Such a comforting promise, fulfilled in our Lord Jesus Christ, brought Jeremiah hope in his day even as it still continues to bring us hope for eternal life in the Savior. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Je

Rev. Joel Haak, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 30:1-24. The LORD commands His prophet to write down His words, words that now turn to consolation as Jeremiah begins what is often called his “Book of Comfort.” The LORD’s promises of healing and restoration are given not only to Judah, but to all the children of Jacob. Sharp transitions from Law to Gospel are evident throughout the text. The day of distress comes, yet on that day, the LORD will break the yoke that He had once placed upon His people. The promise of a king in the line of David brings great hope, fulfilled ultimately in the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though the wound the people have inflicted upon themselves in idolatry is incurable from a human perspective, the LORD promises healing and restoration by His Word. The LORD acts for His people in order that He will be their God and they will be His people. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Shar

Rev. Mark Barz, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 29:15-32. Jeremiah continues his letter to the exiles by warning them against the false prophets who are active even there in Babylon. Jeremiah reminds them of the truth that those who remain in Judah and Jerusalem will be visited by sword, famine, and pestilence. False prophets such as Ahab and Zedekiah will be punished not simply as treasonous against Nebuchadnezzar but as rebellious against the LORD. Another false prophet, Shemaiah, wrote a letter back to Jerusalem demanding that the priest there punish Jeremiah. The LORD told that false prophet that he would not see the good that the LORD was going to do for His people. That is why the true preaching of God’s Word remains so important, that He would give to His people the true hope and future that is found in repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes thr

Rev. AJ Espinosa, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Irvine, CA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 29:1-14. Jeremiah writes a letter in order to proclaim the Word of God to the exiles in Babylon. The LORD tells His people in Babylon to settle down and make a home there. The exiles are to marry and give in marriage; they are to pray for Babylon and seek its welfare. This does not mean that the exiles are to assimilate into the idolatrous Babylonian culture; rather, they are to remain faithful to the LORD there in Babylon.Despite what false prophets have been proclaiming, the time of exile will be lengthy. Yet the LORD assures His people He knows what He is doing. He has set a definite end to the exile, and He will restore His people according to His plans for their future and their hope. “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 an

Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 28:1-17. Hananiah begins his lying sermon just as Jeremiah is wrapping up his warning against the false prophets. Hananiah promises that the LORD will break the yoke of Babylon and bring the vessels of the temple and the exiles back to Jerusalem--precisely what Jeremiah said wouldn’t happen. Jeremiah responds calmly as a true prophet of the LORD; he prays that the LORD would deliver His people as Hananiah had said. At the same time, he remains true to the LORD’s Word and reminds Hananiah that prophets who prophesy peace are only proved true when it happens. Hananiah doubles down by breaking the yoke Jeremiah is wearing, and Jeremiah simply leaves. He returns and speaks only when he has a Word from the LORD. That Word tells Hananiah that his lies are only making it worse for the people, and for his lies, he will die. The LORD made the Word that Jeremiah proclaimed true, vindicating him as the tr

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 27:1-22. The LORD tells Jeremiah to make a yoke for himself in order to preach His Word to nations. As a yoke places an animal under the control of its master, so the nations who have been attempting to ally against Babylon will be placed under the control of Nebuchadnezzar. Those who attempt to rebel against him will only be destroyed, but those who go in the direction of the way he leads them under his yoke will be allowed to live in their own land. In this way, the LORD reveals His previously hidden will to the nations that they might trust in His Word. The LORD gives Jeremiah a similar word to speak to His own people and their king, Zedekiah. They must not presume to think they will be exempt, nor should they listen to the lies of the false prophets. Such lies will only lead to death. The LORD proclaims the reality that the vessels of the temple will be taken into exile, but He promises restorati

Rev. David Vandercook, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in North Little Rock, AR and Shepherd of Peace Lutheran Church in Maumelle, AR, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 26:1-24. Only three months after the reign of the faithful King Josiah, the evil King Jehoiakim ascended the throne of Judah. In that context, Jeremiah was sent by the LORD to preach against Jerusalem in the temple. No matter how unpalatable the LORD’s Word might seem, Jeremiah was not to hold any of it back, in order that the people might repent and the LORD show mercy. Jeremiah preached faithfully, and he was met by the threat of death from the priests and prophets, the very people who should have known better. They brought Jeremiah to trial before the officials of Judah, who listened to the case for Jeremiah’s death and the prophet’s defense. Citing the previous example of King Hezekiah’s treatment of the prophet Micah, Jeremiah’s life was spared, an example of the Word of the LORD doing His work. Yet the tragic case of the

Rev. Chris Hull, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Tomball, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 25:15-29. The LORD gives the cup of His wrath to Jeremiah in order that His prophet would make the nations drink it. Jeremiah does as the LORD instructs and lists the nations near and far who will drink the LORD’s wrath. The list begins with the people of God in Judah; they are not exempt from the LORD’s fury. The list ends with the king of Babylon; even as he is the chosen instrument for the LORD’s wrath, he will not escape it. Everyone must drink from the cup of the LORD’s wrath; the holy God must punish sin. His voice roars and is inescapable by both leaders and people. The only respite comes from the LORD Himself, as He sends His Son, Jesus Christ. The Savior is the One who has drained the cup of the LORD’s cup to the dregs in our place. Only those who take refuge in Him by faith are spared the LORD’s wrath and instead are graciously given to drink from the cup of His blessing. “A Time to Dest

Rev. Andrew Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Guttenberg, IA and St. Paul Lutheran Church in McGregor, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 25:1-14. The beginning of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign in Babylon marked a crossroads for Jerusalem. With Egypt off his back, Jehoiakim thought that this could be the chance for Judah to break free from other nations politically. Into that situation, Jeremiah proclaims the sobering truth of God’s Word. His faithful preaching has not been heeded, and the people have not repented. They have continued to go after idols, the works of their hands. Therefore, the LORD is sending Babylon against Judah to take them captive for seventy years. The LORD will use Nebuchadnezzar as His servant to execute His judgment against His people, but neither will Babylon escape judgment for their evil. This text calls us away from any disregard for God’s Word and to look for the mercy of God, who has brought the Savior into the world. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build”

Rev. Tim Storck, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Chesterfield, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 24:1-10. About 597 BC, Nebuchadnezzar took into exile King Jehoiachin, his mother, the craftsmen, the officials, and other leading citizens of Jerusalem. At that time, the LORD showed Jeremiah a vision of two baskets of figs. The first was full of the best figs imaginable; the second was full of figs that were so rotten they were good for absolutely nothing. The LORD told Jeremiah that He would regard the exiles from Judah as that first basket of figs. By His grace, He would restore the exiles and give them a heart to trust in Him according to His new covenant. Those remaining in Jerusalem would be like the second basket of figs. Their hearts would only grow harder toward the LORD, and so they would be utterly destroyed. Though the people must have been surprised by Jeremiah’s preaching, this vision is a reminder of the pattern by which the LORD so often works. He brings His people th

Rev. Andy Wright, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Keystone, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 23:9-40. The LORD gives Jeremiah a word to speak against the lying prophets. Their false preaching has gone hand-in-hand with their godless living, leading the people of Judah astray. The LORD warns His people not to listen to these false prophets, for the hope they offer is all in vain. The LORD must be the One to send His preachers in order to give His hearers the assurance that they are hearing not the word of man, but the Word of God. However, these false prophets were not sent by God at all. Therefore, they will not escape the LORD’s judgment. He will use His Law to condemn and to judge. By their false preaching, they have become the burden that the LORD must cast off. In these words of judgment, the LORD shows us what He does desire by the true preaching of His Word: bring His people to true repentance and faith. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron

Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 23:1-8. The LORD will not tolerate the way the faithless leaders of Judah are abusing His people. The kings were called to be faithful shepherds to lead and protect God’s people according to His Word, but these shepherds had allied themselves with the work of the devil. The LORD will bring His condemnation upon them, and He will be the shepherd for His people. He will gather them and care for them Himself. In order to do this, He will raise up a righteous Branch for David. None of the kings in the line of David had fully measured up, so the LORD Himself will be the true King who reigns with righteousness and justice. He will gather His scattered people from wherever they may be. His name will be “The LORD is our righteousness.” Where Zedekiah had failed, this righteous Branch will not. He will bring His people out of exile as an act of salvation even more significant than the Exodus. Both o

Rev. Mike Newman, president of the Texas District of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 22:11-30. Jeremiah speaks specifically against the three evil kings of Judah who follow the righteous king Josiah. Shallum, also known as Jehoahaz, only reigned for three months following the death of Josiah. Shallum is told that he will never return to his place or the land of Israel, a terrible judgment. Jehoiakim’s reign is described as the exact antithesis of what a faithful king should be. He is not righteous. He does not do justice. He is not a servant. He does not give. In each of these, he sets himself against the LORD. The LORD calls Jehoiakim to the faithful example set by his father Josiah, but Jehoiakim refuses to listen and to know God truly. He therefore receives judgment. Jerusalem’s destruction will come because they have not listened to the LORD. Coniah, also known as Jeconiah and Jehoiachin, is the last king condemned in this text. His short reign ends wi

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 21:11-22:10. The LORD speaks to the Davidic kings of Judah to remind them of their calling to execute justice for the people of God. Their evil deeds will not go unpunished; their location in Jerusalem will not protect them from the LORD’s wrath. They had been called by God to do justice and righteousness in Israel, particularly for the weakest among them. Had they done this, things would have gone well for the people of Judah. Yet their house will become a desolation because they have not obeyed the Word of God; other nations will look upon their destruction due to their faithlessness to the LORD. Though this text is primarily a call to repentance, Jeremiah is building to his preaching of hope in the righteous Branch from the line of David, Jesus Christ. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goe

Rev. Joel Heckmann, pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Okarche, OK, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 21:1-10. As King Zedekiah watched the army of Babylon gather around Jerusalem with the intent of complete destruction, he inquired of the LORD through Jeremiah as a desperate last-ditch effort. The LORD remained consistent in His response; Jerusalem would fall to Babylon. The LORD Himself would be behind this; His anger and wrath would fight against His own people. Yet the LORD does not leave His people without a way of life. As surprising as it must have seemed, the LORD told His people that those who would surrender to the Babylonians would live. Those who chose to remain in Jerusalem would be destroyed. In this, we see a foreshadowing of the way of the cross, when the LORD set His face against Jesus in order to bring Him through death and into life. “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 peo

Rev. Nate Hill, pastor at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Winchester, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 20:1-18. Passhur the priest listened to Jeremiah’s preaching concerning the broken flask, and he didn’t like what the prophet of the LORD had to say. He beat Jeremiah and put him in the stocks, a foreshadowing of Jesus’ passion. Upon his release, Jeremiah proclaimed judgment upon Passhur; he would be a terror to himself and his friends in the suffering and death endured at the hands of Babylon. Having endured such persecution at the hands of Passhur and others for the sake of preaching the Word of the God, Jeremiah turns in lament to the LORD. As much as he would have stopped preaching, he simply could not; he calls upon the LORD to deliver him and trusts that his God will save. Jeremiah’s inner life of faith provides us a picture of what every Christian experiences; God invites us to pour out our complaint to Him and to find strength in His promise. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Bui

Rev. Vance Becker, LCMS missionary serving as a theological educator at Neema Lutheran College in Matongo, Kenya, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 19:1-15. Learn more about Rev. Becker and how to support his work at lcms.org/becker. The LORD gives Jeremiah another object lesson from the world of pottery. He tells His prophet to take a clay jug along with some of the elders to the Valley of the Son of Hinnom. This unpleasant place was a burning trash dump where despicable idolatry was common; it later became an image for hell. The wickedness of Judah was so great that they defiled even this place by sacrificing their children to false gods. For this reason, the place will become known as the Valley of Slaughter as the evil of Judah is turned upon them. The LORD will pour out their evil plans as water is poured from a jug. The LORD then commands Jeremiah to smash the jug as a further sign of what will happen to His people. Their false gods will be of no use to them. Their only hope is in the LOR

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX; Rev. Jason M. Kaspar, pastor at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in La Grange, TX; and Rev. Nate Hill, pastor at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Winchester, TX, join host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 18:1-23. The LORD sends Jeremiah to the house of a potter to observe the way the potter worked and reworked his clay. The LORD then gives His Word to Jeremiah to interpret the object lesson. The LORD is the potter, and His people are the clay. He shapes as He sees fit, which He reveals in His Word of Law and Gospel. The LORD shapes those who repent according to His promise to build and plant them; He shapes those who refuse to repent according to His judgment to pluck them up and overthrow them. The people of Judah respond by clinging to their idolatry and autonomy, and the LORD responds with His Word of exasperation and judgment. The people respond in further rebellion by plotting against Jeremiah. The faithful prophet cries out to the L