Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Samuel's faithful preaching to Israel called God's people to repentance for their idolatry, and Israel listened. As Samuel led the people in confession of their sins, the Philistines used the opportunity to attack. This time, Israel implored Samuel to pray for them and sought the LORD's counsel. After the LORD won the victory over the Philistines for Israel, Samuel set up a stone and named it Ebenezer as a remembrance of the LORD's help for Israel.  Rev. Andrew Jagow, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Samuel 7:3-17.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus

The Philistines were quite mistaken to think that their capture of the LORD's ark meant that their idol had defeated the LORD. The LORD shows the impotence of Dagon in its idolatrous shrine, and the LORD inflicts a plague upon the Philistines. The Philistines soon want nothing to do with the LORD's ark, and as they send it back to Israel, the LORD shows that He has been the One at work against the Philistines. As the ark comes back to Israel, the people of God still need repentance, which the LORD works over the next twenty years.  Rev. Matt Ulmer, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church-Friedheim, just outside Decatur, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Samuel 5:1-7:2.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly thro

Although Samuel was preaching God's Word to all Israel, the people did not bother to consult him in their fights against the Philistines. After suffering a terrible defeat, the elders of Israel treat the ark of the LORD as a magic talisman in taking it out to battle faithlessly. Though the Philistines initially tremble, they fight nonetheless and rout Israel even more than previously, taking the ark captive. Yet, this did not mean that they had defeated the LORD; rather, the LORD was fulfilling His Word against the house of Eli. His death upon hearing the news of the ark's capture marks a low point in Israel's history, as the name of his grandson Ichabod indicates. Such a text calls us to examine our hearts for the same idolatry as Israel and to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Rev. David Boisclair, pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Samuel 4:1-22.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through

When Samuel was a young man serving under Eli in the LORD's house, the LORD's Word rarely came as it had to Moses and Joshua. Yet the LORD was bringing about an increase in His Word through Samuel. He made Samuel, Eli, and all Israel certain of His call to Samuel as a prophet, even though it took some time for Eli and Samuel to catch on. Samuel's prayer in response to the LORD's call is one that all Christians do well to repeat, asking the LORD to speak and promising to listen. The LORD revealed to Samuel what He had previously told Eli concerning the coming judgment of Eli's house, and Eli received it faithfully. This was the beginning of Samuel's ministry as a prophet in Israel.  Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Samuel 3:1-21.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides

The two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phineas, act wickedly in their service at the LORD's house, unlawfully taking parts of the sacrifices for themselves and committing adultery with temple servants. Although Eli speaks to his sons about these things, they do not listen, and he does not take decisive action against them. For this, the LORD sends a prophet to Eli to reveal that the priesthood will be taken away from his family, and the LORD will provide for Himself a faithful priest. The portrayal of Samuel throughout this text shows him to be one who will become a faithful priest, and yet, this promise points beyond Samuel to the ministry of the Lord Jesus.   Rev. Joel Haak, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church and School in Fraser, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Samuel 2:12-36.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proc

As Hannah fulfills her promise to give her son Samuel into the LORD's service at the tabernacle, she prays with joy and thanksgiving at what the LORD has done for her. He has shown Himself to be holy and faithful, so that the prideful cannot speak or stand in His presence. He brings about great reversals, making low the mighty and raising up the humble. As the Creator and the Redeemer, He protects His people and defeats His enemies. Hannah's song foreshadows the song of Mary in Luke 1, and Hannah speaks prophetically about the LORD's King and His Anointed One, thus pointing us forward to Jesus.  Rev. Dr. John Bombaro, pastor at St. James Lutheran Church and School in Lafayette, IN and a chaplain for the LCMS serving with the 14th Marine Regiment, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Samuel 2:1-11.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His

The book of 1 Samuel begins at a religious low point for Israel, when there was no king and everyone did what was right in his own eyes. The LORD began His work of calling His people back to Himself through the family of Elkanah. His wife Hannah suffered greatly from her barrenness, yet she prayed to the LORD for a child. Once Eli's initial assumptions about Hannah proved to be unfounded, he blessed her, and even more importantly, the LORD granted her prayer by giving her a son, Samuel. After he was weaned, Hannah kept her promise and brought Samuel to serve at the temple under Eli. Samuel's birth and presentation at the temple serve as a type of our Lord Jesus Christ in His early years.  Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Atchison, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Samuel 1:1-22.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wa

"A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. 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. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

When envoys from Babylon come to Hezekiah in Jerusalem, he gives neither thanks nor glory to the LORD for the blessings He has so freely bestowed on Hezekiah. Instead, the king shows the Babylonians all the wealth he has, as if he has won it for himself. Isaiah confronts Hezekiah, revealing that the consequences for the king's actions will be exile in Babylon. Hezekiah drops the ball again, showing no concern for the welfare of his children. Although Hezekiah was a faithful king, his sins in this text serve as a reminder that he is not the Christ; Immanuel is still to come as the sinless King of Israel. We have seen the fulfillment of this promise in Jesus.  Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 39:1-8.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in t

Today’s sermonette based on John 2:1-12 is given by Rev. Timothy Koch. This is a rebroadcast from February 7, 2017. Hear a guest pastor give a short sermonette based on the day’s Daily Lectionary New Testament text during Morning and Evening Prayer. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

When Hezekiah became sick to the point of death, the LORD's Word came to the King that he would die. Hezekiah responded by crying out to the LORD in prayer, and the LORD responded by mercifully extending Hezekiah's life for another fifteen years. This gracious promise not only spared Hezekiah,but also sustained the line of the promised Messiah for all people. Hezekiah's prayer rightly recognizes the transience of human life and the mortality all sinners know, yet the faithful king also places his hope in the LORD's deliverance and gives thanks for His salvation.  Rev. Dr. Roger Paavola, president of the Mid-South District of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 38:1-21. "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in the strength of man will be brought low, but those who trust in th

King Hezekiah and his royal officials seek the Word of the LORD in the face of the Assyrian threat. After Isaiah delivers the LORD's promise of a miraculous rescue, the Rabshakeh continues to tempt the people of Judah to unbelief. Hezekiah responds by bringing the enemy's words to the LORD and asking that the LORD show Himself as the one true God. Isaiah again brings the LORD's Word of promise to Hezekiah, and the LORD fulfills His Word by striking down the entire Assyrian army and bringing King Sennacherib to a dishonorable death by assassination.  Rev. Lucas Witt, executive director of the Lutheran Mission Society of Maryland, headquartered in Baltimore, MD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 37:1-38.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in the strength of man will be brought low, but those who trust in th

Isaiah begins to recount the historical narrative of the LORD's deliverance of His people from the Assyrians. Although the might of the Assyrian army was great, the text focuses on the war of words waged by the Assyrian official, the Rabshakeh. His temptations are strong, using half-truths in order to draw the people away from their trust in the LORD. Only strengthened by the LORD's promises can the people of Judah stand against such demonic attacks, and Judean royal officials are prepared to do just that as they mourn over the words spoken by the Rabshakeh and return to King Hezekiah to go hear from the prophet Isaiah.  Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 36:1-22.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in the strength of man will be

Out of the devastation of the previous chapter, the LORD promises to bring restoration for His people and His creation. He will make the desert a garden, He will strengthen His people's weaknesses, and He will heal His people's diseases. In this, the LORD will show His glory and bring His salvation. He will bring His people back upon the way that leads to Him so that they will rejoice with great singing. Isaiah's words speak not only about the return from exile in the Old Testament, but also about the work of Jesus in the Gospels and His ongoing ministry in the Church today.  Rev. Dr. Peter Elliott, pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Seattle, WA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 35:1-10.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in the strength of man will be brought low, but those who trust in the LORD will

The LORD calls upon all the nations to listen as He speaks His fury against all those who have set themselves against them. The judgment upon such unbelief is coming, and it will not be pretty. The LORD says that His sword will bring condemnation particularly upon Edom, which had a history of animosity toward the LORD and Israel. All such peoples who are not joined to the cause of Zion can expect the LORD to make their land a waste. In this way, the LORD's Word stands as a warning against all who do not look to Him for salvation.   Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 34:1-17.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in the strength of man will be brought low, but those who trust in the LORD will see that He is their Immanuel. Jesus is God wit

When the LORD proclaims that Assyria will be destroyed, His people respond in prayer, asking that the LORD would bring His salvation for which they wait. They recognize the fear of Him as their true treasure and look for Him to arise. Those who do not fear the LORD, however, tremble at the news of His coming. The only one who can dwell with Him is the one who lives by faith in the coming Savior, Jesus, who truly is the King who saves.  Rev. Andrew Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Haven, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 33:1-24.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in the strength of man will be brought low, but those who trust in the LORD will see that He is their Immanuel. Jesus is God with us who reigns over the kingdom of God forever and ever! Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy A

Isaiah proclaims the coming king who will reign in righteousness. Under His reign, the people of God will dwell safely with the true knowledge and worship of Him. Those who are foolish will be known as such, and those who are complacent will mourn over the judgment that the LORD will bring. Once the judgment is complete, the righteous King will pour out the Spirit who will cause the LORD's people to be fruitful. In this way, Isaiah preaches of the coming reign of Jesus Christ.  Rev. James Helms, Jr, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Greenbelt, MD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 32:1-20.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in the strength of man will be brought low, but those who trust in the LORD will see that He is their Immanuel. Jesus is God with us who reigns over the kingdom of God forever an

Isaiah tells the people of Judah that Egypt will be absolutely no help against Assyria. God's people would be foolish to put their trust in men rather than the LORD. He is the true God who comes down to protect His people, so that they can return to Him even after they revolted against Him by their idolatry. Although Egypt's help against Assyria is nothing, the LORD promises that He will bring the Assyrian threat against His people to an end.  Rev. Philip Zielinski, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Valley City, OH, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 31:1-9.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in the strength of man will be brought low, but those who trust in the LORD will see that He is their Immanuel. Jesus is God with us who reigns over the kingdom of God forever and ever! Sharper Iron, hosted by

The LORD calls His people rebellious children for desiring an alliance with Egypt, who will actually be no help to Judah at all. Because Judah despises the LORD's Word, His swift judgment will befall them. Yet He gives His promise. Their salvation will be found in returning to Him and resting in His Word, and He is waiting patiently to show that very mercy. He will show Himself as their Teacher and the very Way of salvation so that His brightness will shine upon them. They will respond with singing as the LORD rescues them from their enemies. These promises are fulfilled in the Lord Jesus Christ.  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 Isaiah 30:1-33.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their tr

The LORD speaks to His people Jerusalem about the coming destruction that Assyria will bring, according to the will and work of the LORD. When the LORD also promises that He will work a miraculous deliverance on His people's behalf, the people fail to believe His promise. Their faithless worship has left the blind and deaf, yet the LORD promises that He will work wonders among His people that will put to shame all human wisdom. These promises look forward to the fulfillment in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 29:1-24.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in the strength of man will be brought low, but those who trust in the LORD will see that He is their Immanuel. Jesus is God with