Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Sam Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 17:14-27. Jeremiah calls upon the LORD to heal and save him in the face of his persecutors. He has preached faithfully and expects the LORD to be his refuge. The faithful prophet asks the LORD to spare him from the shame and dismay that will come upon those who persecute. The LORD then sends Jeremiah to the gate by which the people come into Jerusalem in order to preach to them concerning the Sabbath. They have not heeded the Word of the LORD to find their rest in Him as Creator and Redeemer, just as their fathers had not. The LORD tells His people to listen and keep the Sabbath day, in order that He will bless them and their city. If they do not listen, judgment will surely come.  “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 th

Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 17:1-13. Judah’s sin is permanently engraved into their hearts. Though this writing is unseen to human eyes, their idolatrous sacrifices at numerous altars and high places shows the depth of their depravity. For this idolatry, the LORD will cast them out of the land. What hope is there for Judah? To trust in man and his strength is to look for life in the desert. Only those who trust in the LORD will be planted as a tree that survives heat and drought because of nourishment that comes from the LORD. Man’s heart is only sick and deceitful; the LORD sees this reality. Yet He remains the only hope of Israel. If they are to survive, the LORD’s people must look to His throne on high, for from Him flow streams of living water. “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

Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 16:1-21. The LORD gives Jeremiah another enacted prophecy by commanding him to forgo marriage and children, funerals and feasts. Such good gifts of God will not be enjoyed in the Promised Land anymore because the people of Judah have forsaken the LORD from one generation to the next. Therefore, the LORD will hurl them from the Promised Land. Yet He promises deliverance for His people. With an act of greater significance than the Exodus from Egypt, the LORD will bring His scattered people back to their land. He will ignore neither their sin nor their idolatry, but He will bring about the change of heart that He desires as He gathers them back to Himself from all nations. All who place their trust in Him will realize that their idols were no gods at all as they see His power and might in His name, the name that has now been revealed to us in Jesus. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a m

Rev. Dr. Thomas Egger, president of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 15:1-21. Jeremiah preaches in one of the most painful times in the history of Israel. The LORD tells Jeremiah that even if the greatest intercessors from the past were to pray for His people, still He would not relent. The sins of Manasseh were the tipping point, and His people have had no lasting repentance. Judgment and destruction will come; the LORD has wearied of relenting. Jeremiah cries out in anguish. On the one hand, the LORD’s Word has been to him a joy, and yet the prophet has suffered mightily for his faithful preaching. He wonders if God will be true to His promises. The LORD calls Jeremiah to remain in repentance and faith, and He strengthens His prophet in the call He gave to him. This chapter calls all to repentance and faith in Jesus before the Last Day comes, because Jesus is the One who receives God’s wrath in our place and who stands before the Father to plead for us.

Rev. Andrew Jagow, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 14:1-22. Jeremiah preaches to the people of Judah in the midst of a horrific drought. Droughts were common in the history of Israel. Theologically, a drought was one of the covenant curses from Deuteronomy 28, by which the LORD intended to call His people to repentance. In response to the drought, Jeremiah offered a prayer of confession on behalf of the people of Judah, calling upon God to deliver them as their Savior. The LORD’s response reminded Jeremiah of the utter unfaithfulness of His people, promising that they would be punished. Jeremiah also prayed concerning the false prophets in Judah. The LORD condemns them for their lies by which they have led the people astray. Jeremiah again prays in confession to the LORD, calling upon Him to be true to His promises. “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 c

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, goes “Back to the Forge” with host Rev. Timothy Appel to answer listener email concerning false teaching. What is decision theology, and why is it contrary to the true teaching from God’s Word concerning salvation by grace through faith in Christ? What should you do if you think your pastor is preaching falsely? What is the difference between heresy and heterodoxy? What helpful distinction does Dr. Francis Pieper make concerning heterodox church bodies? Why is the holding to true doctrine so important? Spend some time in God’s Word to sharpen your faith in the life-giving truth of Jesus Christ. 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!

Rev. Dr. Jeff Pulse, the Dr. Dean O. Wenthe professor of Old Testament Theology, director of certification and placement, and director of continuing education at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 13:15-27. The people of Judah and Jerusalem must do what they have not yet done; they must listen to the LORD’s Word. If they do not forsake their pride and give Him glory, He will turn their light into darkness. Jeremiah mourns for the destruction of his people, particularly the exile that happened in 597 BC that took King Jehoiachin and his mother into exile in Babylon. From that exile, Jeremiah points forward to the final destruction of Jerusalem. The LORD will expose the shame of His people, for He has seen their abominations. They are helpless to save themselves, but if they will turn to the LORD in repentance, they will see the truth that Jesus makes plain. The salvation that is impossible for man is possible for God. “A Time to Destroy and a Time

Rev. Tim Koch, pastor at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank, SD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 13:1-14. The LORD gives Jeremiah an enacted prophecy through the prophet’s purchase of a linen loincloth. At the LORD’s command, Jeremiah noticeably wears it for a time in front of the people of Judah before burying it for a time. When the LORD tells Jeremiah to take his loincloth again after many days, the loincloth is completely ruined. The LORD then tells Jeremiah how to preach this reality. The pride of Judah and Jerusalem, the temple, will be ruined and taken away beyond the Euphrates River. Although the LORD had made His people to cling to Him as a loincloth clings to a person, Judah had already spoiled themselves by their idolatry. As jars are filled with wine, the LORD would fill them with drunkenness. Jesus is the Savior who drinks the cup of God’s wrath in place of His people in order to restore them from their idolatrous ruin. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on

Rev. Mark Squire, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 12:1-17. Jeremiah picks up the common lament of the Scriptures: why do the wicked prosper? Jeremiah  wonders why he suffers affliction and persecution while the wicked grow and thrive under the LORD, and so the prophet prays for justice against them. The LORD does not condemn Jeremiah’s plea as whining, nor does He answer in a way that we might expect. Instead, the LORD tells Jeremiah the affliction will only grow and steels the prophet for the task. The LORD will give His people over to their enemies, yet He still calls them “My people.” He promises that He will yet have compassion on His people and on all nations who turn to Him in faith. “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 them of the destruction that is coming i

Rev. Bart Day, president and CEO of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 11:1-23. Learn more about LCEF at lcef.org. Jeremiah preaches that the people of Judah and Jerusalem have failed to listen to the words of the covenant that the LORD made with them. By worshiping idols, they have forsaken the freedom that was theirs in having the LORD as their God. The LORD had persistently called His people to repent, but one generation after another refused, conspiring together in their blatant idolatry. Therefore, the LORD promises judgment, refusing to listen to His people’s prayers, commanding Jeremiah not to pray for the people, and promising disaster against the people. The LORD reveals to Jeremiah that the people of his own hometown, Anathoth, are plotting against the prophet’s life. Jeremiah commends himself and vengeance into the hands of the LORD. In the full context of Jeremiah and all of God’s Word, the LORD gives us hope by grafting us dead br

Rev. Hans Fiene, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Crestwood, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 10:1-25. God mocks idolatry in order to show His people that the nations and their gods do not need to be feared. Idols are only human creations; they are as lifeless as scarecrows that can do absolutely nothing. In complete contrast, the LORD is the one true God and King over every nation and all creation. He alone is to be feared as the One who created and sustains all things by His power, wisdom, and understanding. Yet He is not simply a God “up there.” By His promise, the LORD is the portion of His people. Because Judah refuses to repent of her idolatry, however, the LORD will send them into exile in Babylon. As the people lament their destruction, so the LORD laments the necessity of bringing such calamity upon His people. Jeremiah prays that the Babylonian exile will have the desired effect of bringing the people to repentance and faith in the LORD. He is the One who ultimately b

Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 9:17-26. The destruction coming upon Jerusalem is so great that professional mourners will be needed. The people of Judah will be cast from the Promised Land as the LORD’s judgment against them. Death will strike every household as the LORD once struck against the firstborn of Egypt. Yet the LORD calls His people back to true wisdom, might, and wealth. These are not found in the people themselves or in any foreign nation, but in the steadfast love, justice, and righteousness given by the LORD. He is not looking for only outward circumcision from Judah or any nation, but for circumcision of the heart that results in true faith in the LORD. “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 them of the destruction that is

Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, assistant professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 8:18-9:16. Jeremiah laments the destruction that he knows is coming upon his fellow Israelites; he longs for healing from the LORD who seems absent from His people. Yet Jeremiah also laments the people’s idolatry and accompanying wickedness that is bringing the LORD’s wrath upon them. The falsehood that the people are believing and preaching concerning the LORD has led to falsehood among the people’s dealings with each other; one sin builds upon another. The devastations in the created world reflect the divine judgment that is coming. Yet the LORD’s promise to refine and test His people does reflect an element of hope that the LORD will give His people true repentance and faith through their fiery trial. “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 o

Rev. Dr. Adam Filipek, pastor at Holy Cross and Immanuel Lutheran Churches in Lidgerwood, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 8:4-17. Jeremiah accuses the people of Judah and Jerusalem for their stubborn stiff-neckedness. Though anyone who falls gets back up again, Judah refuses to return to the LORD. Like a war horse that plunges into battle and death, so Judah plunges into idolatry and death. They have less sense than migratory birds. Their false prophets peddle lies that because they have the book of the Law in Jerusalem, everything will be just fine. Their complete lack of wisdom is seen, however, because they have no clue what God’s Word actually says. Yet God will show His wisdom. He does so in ways that look foolish, through the preaching of Jeremiah that tells of the coming destruction. Yet through that death and destruction, God will bring about repentance and life. He does not stop naming Judah, “His people,” pointing to the fulfillment of His promise to be their God and Savior. He

Rev. Dr. David Adams, associate professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 7:21-8:3. The LORD tells Judah that their atoning sacrifices are useless because they are being offered without faith. When the LORD brought His people out of Egypt, He established His relationship with them by His Word before He ever gave the sacrificial system. As their fathers refused to listen to the LORD and walked in their own ways, so the people of Judah have grown worse. Though the people still will not listen, Jeremiah will preach to them as a sign of God’s love and mercy. Jeremiah is called to mourn for the people because they are dead in their idolatry. Their child sacrifices have taken them beyond even Canaanite practices, and so Judah will be utterly laid waste. Left unburied, their bones will lie in front of their idols who are powerless to do anything at all. Hope can only come from the LORD, who by His Spirit working through the Word does hav

Rev. Jason M. Kaspar, pastor at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in La Grange, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 7:1-20. The LORD sends Jeremiah to the temple to preach against deceptive words of false comfort. False prophets are repeating their mantra that everything will be fine for Judah and Jerusalem because the temple of the LORD is there. Jeremiah calls the people out of this false hope apart from the LORD and His Word. The building of the temple itself is not salvific; rather, faith in the LORD who has made His promise receives the LORD’s gifts. Jeremiah therefore calls the people to return to the Law of the LORD in their actions. If they think the LORD will spare them just because of a building, Jeremiah says they can go look at what the LORD did to Shiloh, the former home of the tabernacle. “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 idol

Rev. Jeff Hemmer, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 6:1-30. The LORD’s people think that Jerusalem must be the place of safety, but Jeremiah assures them that it is actually the world’s most dangerous place. Because they are only full of violence and destruction, the LORD of Hosts has brought foreign armies against His people. As Jeremiah grows weary from preaching God’s wrath, false prophets do not grow weary of proclaiming a peace that does not exist. They refuse to return to the ancient way of God; they refuse the warning of His prophets.They take false comfort in their outward rituals without true faith in the true God. Jeremiah sounds the warning again; Babylon is coming with utter destruction. The people of Jerusalem will despair; the LORD has tested them and found them wanting. Through it all, the LORD does give a glimmer of hope through the prophet; He sends His warning so that they will turn, even now, and be spared, not simp

Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 5:14-31. Because the false prophets have spoken their lies, the LORD puts His true Word in Jeremiah’s mouth as a fire that consumes all things other than Christ in which sinners might put their hope. That fire comes against the people of Judah and Jerusalem in the destructive Babylonian army, yet the LORD still reminds His people that He will not make a full end; He will keep His promise to send the Christ. Still, because they have desired to serve foreign gods, they will serve foreigners in a foreign land. Their idolatry has left them blind and deaf, and the Law has not kept them in its bounds. They have refused to repent even after the LORD sent plagues, as the prophets and priests have only perpetuated falsehood among them. Through Jeremiah, the LORD calls His people back to the truth. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Jer

Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 5:1-13. As the LORD once looked in vain for ten righteous people in Sodom and Gomorrah, so He now looks in vain for one who does justice and seeks truth in Jerusalem. The idolatry stretches from the top to the bottom of Judah’s society, and Babylonian destruction awaits as a punishment for their apostasy. The people’s regular use of lying oaths is a litmus test of how far they have fallen from the true worship of the LORD. Their falsehood with each other has led to false teaching from false prophets, who claim that the LORD will do nothing. The LORD will bring His judgment, Jeremiah promises, yet there is hope in the fact that the LORD will leave a remnant for the sake of bringing the Savior into the world. “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 fai

Rev. Dr. Ryan Tietz, assistant professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 4:5-31. Judah’s continued refusal of repentance will lead to terrible destruction. The cry goes out through the land that warfare is coming, and no one will escape. The invaders are instruments of the LORD, who still calls His people to cleanse themselves from their wicked idolatry. Jeremiah does not preach as a disinterested observer, but his pain and anguish leads him to cry out to the LORD, a faithful response in the face of suffering. The destruction that is coming is compared to the undoing of creation, a sign that the call to repentance is not simply for Judah and Jerusalem, but for all nations. Outward adornment is all in vain. Only the LORD gives refuge to His people through His promise; He will sustain His remnant. “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