Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

With words very similar to the contemporary prophet Isaiah, Micah speaks about the coming days when the mountain of the LORD will be lifted above all other mountains, causing peoples to stream to the LORD’s house to hear His Word. As the LORD leads His people to walk in His name, He reigns over them as no other king could. Even though Babylon will take the people of Israel captive, the LORD will ultimately deliver His people and defeat their enemies.  Rev. Jeff Hemmer, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Micah 4:1-13.  To learn more about Bethany Lutheran, visit bethanylcms.org. “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorter, the Word of God they preached was important in the years leading up to the coming of the Christ, and that Word remains important for the Church today. Just as we still need to listen to thei

Micah preaches against the rulers who should know and seek justice according to the LORD’s Word and against the prophets who are only out for shameful gain. Such abuses do physical and spiritual damage to people that is far greater than our eyes often see, and the LORD has severe consequences for such sins committed by those who misuse their authority. The LORD promises neither to hear their prayers nor to speak His Word, all in an effort to wake His people up from their unbelief so that they would turn to Him anew for mercy. Even in the midst of such false prophets, Micah stands as a true prophet who has heard the LORD’s Word and proclaims it faithfully, pointing forward to Jesus as the One who is the very Word of God made flesh.  Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Micah 3:1-12.  To learn more about Redeemer Lutheran, visit Redeemer-Lawrence.org. “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the bo

The LORD sees those whose covetous thoughts hatch into plots of theft, and He devises their destruction, from which they will not be able to escape. Many of Micah’s hearers refuse to believe that the LORD who is among them could do such a thing to Israel, but Micah’s proclamation of woe against Israel is true. The false preachers, as beloved as they may be, only hide the true disaster that will come. Yet the LORD promises mercy, for He will gather His remnant and reign over them as their true King. This text calls us to examine our hearts for greed, so that we would repent, trust in the LORD, and seek to be generous with our neighbor.  Rev. Levi Willms, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sauk Rapids, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Micah 2:1-13.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitysr.org. “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorter, the Word

During the same years that the LORD spoke through the prophet Isaiah, the LORD also spoke through the prophet Micah. Micah’s preaching begins with a call for all peoples to pay attention to the LORD who is coming for judgment. The LORD calls out both Samaria and Jerusalem for their idolatry, which will receive God’s just punishment. As Micah describes the mourning that will take place because of this destruction, he uses wordplays on names of towns both big and small, for the LORD’s judgment comes against them all.  Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Micah 1:1-16.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitylcmsvinton.org. “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorter, the Word of God they preached was important in the years leading up to the coming of the Christ, and that Word remains importa

The account of Jonah doesn’t end with Nineveh’s repentance; the prophet tells us his angry reaction. Jonah despises the LORD’s forgiveness for “those people,” and so he despises the LORD. Yet the LORD calls Jonah back. The LORD first appoints a plant to give Jonah shade. Soon, however, the LORD appoints a worm to kill the plant and take away Jonah’s shade, and then the LORD appoints an east wind to make Jonah miserable. When Jonah becomes angry over the plant, the LORD points out that Jonah has pity over something that he had not planted or grown. In the book’s concluding question, the LORD calls Jonah, and all of us, to consider how great the LORD’s compassion is for all people and all His creatures, whom He loves in His Son Jesus Christ.  Rev. James Helms, Jr., pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Greenbelt, MD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jonah 4:1-11.  To learn more about Holy Cross, visit myholycross.com. “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through t

Rev. Andy Becker gives today's sermon based on Mark 9:17-29. >> The broadcast of chapel services is brought to you by LCMS International Mission and Ministry to Armed Forces. >> Learn more at international.lcms.org and lcms.org/armedforces. >> To learn more about long and short-term opportunities to serve, visit servenow.lcms.org. Tune in weekdays at 10:00 a.m. CT to hear daily chapel services from the LCMS International Center. Find service information including the lectionary, hymn, and homilist for the day at kfuo.org/daily-chapel-schedule.

Newly vomited onto dry ground, Jonah obeys the LORD’s gracious second call to go and proclaim His Word to Nineveh. The LORD cares about this great city, and so He sends Jonah to call it to repentance. Even through Jonah’s harsh sermon, the LORD’s Word does what He intends, and the entire city of Nineveh is brought to repentance. From the greatest to the least, the Ninevites turn to the LORD for mercy, and He shows them precisely that mercy as He spares them from the disaster He had proclaimed through Jonah.  Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jonah 3:1-10.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitymillstadt.org. “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorter, the Word of God they preached was important in the years leading up to the coming of the Christ, and that Word remains important for the

The LORD showed grace to Jonah by appointing a fish to swallow the rebellious prophet and spare his life. From the belly of the fish, Jonah prayed to the LORD based on prayers that he had learned from the Psalms. Jonah recognized that the LORD had cast him into the depths, but Jonah also knew that the LORD alone could deliver him from those depths. Jonah cried out to the LORD to the temple as the place the LORD had promised to be present for His people’s salvation. The LORD gave His salvation to Jonah by causing the fish to vomit the prophet back onto dry ground. Jonah’s three days and nights in the belly of the fish are a type of the death and resurrection of Jesus.  Rev. Dr. Martin Dressler, pastor at Salem Lutheran Church and School in Black Jack, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jonah 2:1-10.  To learn more about Salem Lutheran, visit salembjmo.org. “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the

Jonah was from the northern kingdom, Israel, during the days of Jeroboam II. When the LORD called Jonah to be His prophet to proclaim repentance to the city of Nineveh, Jonah refused and tried to flee by boat from the LORD. When the sailors recognized divine activity against them, Jonah unwittingly preached the truth to them, even if he was not living according to that truth at the moment. Despite Jonah’s attempt to avoid the LORD’s Word, the LORD still accomplishes His will of revealing Himself to these pagan sailors through the storm and its stilling.   Rev. Sam Beltz, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Oskaloosa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jonah 1:1-17.  To learn more about St. John Lutheran, visit stjohnosky.org. “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorter, the Word of God they preached was important in the years leading up to the coming of the Chr

Peter’s application of Joel 2 to the Day of Pentecost helps us to understand Joel 3 as fulfilled in the life of the Church right now, looking forward to the Last Day. The LORD gathers all nations to be judged by His Word as it is proclaimed by His Church now as a two-edged sword. In this way, the LORD makes ready the final harvest. For those who do not trust in Jesus for salvation, there is only the LORD’s vengeance against them, but for those who find their refuge in Jesus, He causes His blessings to overflow.  Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joel 3:1-21.  To learn more about St. Paul's Lutheran, visit stpaulpaducah.org. “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorter, the Word of God they preached was important in the years leading up to the coming of the Christ, and that Word remains important

Joel’s preaching concerning the LORD’s outpouring of His Spirit finds fulfillment on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2, when Peter uses this section as his sermon text. The LORD gives His Holy Spirit to draw people to faith in the only Savior, Jesus Christ, who has suffered under the wrath of God on the Day of the LORD in our place. By the outpouring of the Spirit, sinners are brought to call upon the name of the LORD for salvation, and as baptized believers, they too begin to speak the Word of God so that more will hear and believe in Jesus for salvation.  Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Atchison, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joel 2:28-32. To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinityatchison.org. “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorter, the Word of God they preached was important in the years leading up to the comi

The LORD’s compassion for His people comes to them anew in the wake of their repentance. He promises to restore their land from the destruction brought about by the locusts, famine, and enemy armies. As the LORD restores His people’s land, so He restores His people with abundant fruit and great joy. As He takes away the shame of His people, the LORD shows them that He is the only God who dwells among them for their blessing.  Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church and School in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joel 2:18-27.  To learn more about St. Paul's, visit stpaulscullman.com. “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorter, the Word of God they preached was important in the years leading up to the coming of the Christ, and that Word remains important for the Church today. Just as we still need to listen to their call to repentance ov

Joel answers the question from the end of the previous text. The one who endures the great and awesome day of the LORD is the one who returns to the LORD in repentance. Such repentance is not only an outward mourning, but true inward grief over sin. Such repentance is for all people and must not be delayed. Such repentance is the gift of God, whose grace and mercy draws us to Him in confession of our sins, trusting that He will be faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joel 2:12-17.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitycolby.org. “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorter, the Word of God they preached was important in the years leading up to the coming of the Christ, and that Word remains important for the Church to

The LORD sounds His trumpet to proclaim His coming Day. His judgment on that Day is described with imagery of darkness, fire, locusts, chariots, and warriors, all reminiscent of the plagues against Egypt before the exodus. Those who have set themselves against the LORD will have no escape, for He is the One bringing His army. The only one who can endure the Day is the one who takes refuge in the LORD. Jesus has endured the wrath of God on the Day of the LORD in our place, so for us, the Day of the LORD at the end brings salvation and resurrection.  Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joel 2:1-11.  To learn more about Higher Things, visit higherthings.org. “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorter, the Word of God they preached was important in the years leading up to the coming of t

Joel reveals very little of his historical context within his short book, but the word of the LORD that he is given to preach is for people of all times and places. Joel proclaims that all people must pay attention, for the LORD’s judgment has come through an insatiable swarm of locusts. The resulting famine has led to mourning and languishing, in which the only appropriate response is repentance. The swarm of locusts proclaims the coming day of the LORD, when He acts in judgment. To those who refuse repentance, such judgment is destruction, but to those who trust in the LORD alone, His judgment comes as justification through Jesus.  Rev. James Hopkins, pastor at First Lutheran Church of Boston in Boston, MA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joel 1:1-20.  To learn more about First Lutheran, visit flc-boston.org. “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorter, the Word

Having preached the condemnation that Israel’s idolatry deserved, Hosea once more calls the people to return to the LORD in honest confession. He gives them words to speak that both acknowledge the guilt and folly of their idolatry and look to the LORD’s mercy with faith. The LORD is quick with His promise. He speaks words of healing and love, in which He will cause His people to flourish in safety once again. Unlike idols that only make demands, the LORD promises only His gifts. Hosea calls Israel to hear the LORD’s word with the wisdom of faith, walking in the way that leads to life. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of this promise, for He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.    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 Hosea 14:1-9.  To learn more about St. James Lutheran, visit stjameslaf.org. “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sh

Israel’s glory days have long come to an end, for their idolatry has killed them. Even now, they only compound sin upon sin as they become as fleeting as the idols they worship. The LORD reminds them who He is and what He has done as their Savior, yet they forget Him in arrogance. Therefore, the LORD will show Himself to them in judgment, and no king will be able to save them. Only the LORD can rescue them from the death they have earned for themselves, yet they refuse to repent. The Apostle Paul is able to quote from this section of Hosea because in Jesus, God has defeated the death that we can never defeat.  Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Hosea 13:1-16.  To learn more about Glory of Christ Lutheran, visit gloryofchrist.org. “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorter, the Word of

As the LORD brings His charge against Israel and Judah, He calls them to remember the story of their father, Jacob. Although Jacob was known as a cheater early in his life, the LORD still showed His faithfulness to Jacob. Because the LORD gave Jacob His blessing when Jacob strove with Him, Israel now should strive with God in repentance and faith, seeking His forgiveness even now. Yet rather than returning to the LORD as Jacob once had done, Israel only continues to live as the Canaanites in their iniquity and idolatry. Even though the LORD has spoken to His people by the prophets since Moses, they only continue to provoke Him to anger.  Rev. Doug Minton, pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Hosea 12:2-14.  To learn more about Our Savior Lutheran, visit oursaviormilford.com. “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorte

The LORD reminds Israel of the love He showed to them as their Father, when He brought them out of Egypt, led them with love to Mount Sinai, and fed them in the wilderness. Despite the LORD’s great love, however, Israel only runs farther away from their God to idols. The LORD promises that His judgment will come through the Assyrian army, and yet, even then, He promises His compassion will call His people back to Himself. St. Matthew quotes from this section of Hosea to show how Jesus has done those things that Israel did not do, and Jesus has done them perfectly in our place to be our Savior.   Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Hosea 11:1-12:1.  To learn more about Holy Cross Lutheran, visit holycrosswarda.com. “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorter, the Word of God they preached was importan

The LORD’s vineyard Israel continues to produce only idolatrous fruit. When He promises that He will bring His judgment, Israel still refuses to turn to Him. Instead, they mourn for their worthless idol as it is carried off into exile. Because the people have refused to dwell with the LORD in His presence, He gives them only the thorns and thistles that grow east of Eden. Even now, the LORD still calls His people to seek Him in repentance, and He promises His blessing. The fact that Israel only continues in their impenitence makes God’s grace to them—and to us—all the more astounding. Rev. Zelwyn Heide, pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hanover, ND and Zion Lutheran Church in New Salem, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Hosea 10:1-15. To learn more about St. Peter and Zion Lutheran churches, visit stpeterzion.org.  “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorte