Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Through use of an acrostic poem, David meditates on the reality that the LORD is faithful to His promises. Those who wait on Him have no need to worry over the wicked and their wickedness. When the righteous see the prosperity of the evil, falling into the same way of evil helps nothing; continued delight in the LORD who gives His children an eternal inheritance is the only answer. The wicked ultimately perish by their own devices, while the LORD establishes the steps of His people forever. Such patient trust in the LORD comes from the Word of God that dwells in the heart and on the lips of the righteous, and the LORD vindicates those who patiently trust in Him.  Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 37.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitylcmsvinton.org. Join Sharper Iron this summer to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in

Coming off the forgiveness of Psalm 32, Psalm 33 continues in joyous praise to the LORD for His upright Word by which He declares sinners righteous. By that Word, the LORD does His work of righteousness, justice, and steadfast love in all the earth. By that Word, the LORD created all things, so that all things should fear Him. For those nations who do not, the LORD brings their plans to frustration, for the strength of a nation, army, and war horse is ultimately a lie. Instead, the LORD chooses His people by His grace, and as His people wait on Him in hope, He does not disappoint their faith.   Rev. Dr. Ryan Tietz, Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology and Dean of Students at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 33.  To learn more about Concordia Theological Seminary, visit ctsfw.edu. Join Sharper Iron this summer to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in

King David knows that he has nothing to fear because he has a true fear of the LORD, who alone is a sure salvation. No matter how many enemies array themselves against us, Christians confidently know that the LORD is over all armies, and so we seek the LORD where He has promised to be found. In that assurance, we cry out to the LORD and seek Him according to His Word, asking that He would teach us and lead us. His goodness gives us strength and courage to wait for Him, for we know that He will raise us from the dead on the Last Day.   Rev. Dan Torkelson, pastor at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Madison, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 27.  To learn more about Mt. Olive Lutheran, visit www.molc.us. Join Sharper Iron this summer to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks a

The beloved imagery of Psalm 23 has long captivated Christians’ minds. The LORD is the Shepherd who guides His flock to needed sustenance of both body and soul. He gives, and we joyfully receive. Even in the darkness of death, we know that He is with us, and so we follow Him in confidence as He takes us through death and into life. Even as enemies surround us now, we rest and find refreshment at His overflowing table, knowing that He will pursue us and lead us into His house forever. As Jesus prays this psalm, He receives His Father’s faithful answer, so that we know that in Jesus, we have the answer to this psalm ourselves: Jesus is our Good Shepherd who has laid down His life and taken it back up again for us.  Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church-Hanover in Alta, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 23.  To learn more about St. John Lutheran, visit stjohnhanover.org. Join Sharper Iron this summer to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and

David blesses the people in the name of the God of Jacob who helps and supports His people from His holy dwelling. The LORD sees His people’s faithful worship and gives to them the godly desires that He works in their hearts so they sing for joy. The people of God confidently assert that the LORD does save His Anointed One. He is the One who wins the victory over the best manmade military efforts. He is the King of His people who answers His people’s prayer.  Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church and School in Oakmont, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 20.  To learn more about Redeemer Lutheran, visit www.redeemer-oakmont.org. Join Sharper Iron this summer to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad contex

David reflects upon his own sinfulness and the LORD’s grace. He considers how the LORD shapes the lives of His people whom He has made His own by grace and faithfulness. Those who belong to the LORD walk according to the Word He has given, which influences the words of their mouths and the deeds of their hands. Those who belong to the LORD love those who share the true faith but ignore those whose way is wicked. The one who lives thus in the LORD is immovable, for he is founded upon Jesus, the One who has done these things perfectly.   Rev. Sam Beltz, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Oskaloosa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 15.  To learn more about St. John Lutheran, visit www.stjohnosky.org. Join Sharper Iron this summer to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, loo

As David faces a threat that will shake the very foundation of life, he knows that the LORD is his only refuge, even as others claim that a fearful flight is the only option. David takes comfort in knowing that God makes Himself present among His people according to His promise, even as He reigns over all the earth from heaven. As He sees all things, He knows the faithfulness of His people and promises that judgment will come upon the wicked. Knowing that the LORD is the Righteous One, we look forward to that Day when we will see Him face to face.   Rev. Jacob Heine, pastor at Faith Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 11.  To learn more about Faith Lutheran, visit faithlutherantopeka.com. Join Sharper Iron this summer to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timoth

David cries out for the LORD to answer him, as the LORD has done in the past. David asserts that God has set apart His people for Himself so that those who love vain words will ultimately fall. Anger and vengeance are not a refuge; the LORD is the stronghold of His people. When He turns the light of His face upon us, we have true joy beyond anything this world can offer. This gives us the ability to sleep in peace, knowing that God is our safety.   Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Atchison, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 4.  To learn more about Trinity, visit trinityatchison.org. Join Sharper Iron this summer to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, 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 fo

David cries out to the LORD for deliverance from his foes as he flees from Absalom. These foes argue theologically against David—how can God be David’s Savior if David is having to run away? David takes refuge in the LORD, who is present on His holy hill. The LORD’s presence gives protection to David and all the LORD’s people. Because salvation is the LORD’s, His people are assured of His blessing.  Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 3.  To learn more about St. Paul's, visit stpaulscullman.com. Join Sharper Iron this summer to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, 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

Join Sharper Iron this summer to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, 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

Zedekiah is the last king of Judah. During his wicked reign, the LORD fulfills His Word of sending Judah into exile. Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon finally loses patience with rebellious Judah and besieges Jerusalem. In 587 BC, his army destroys Jerusalem and the LORD’s temple. Zedekiah watches his sons die before he is blinded and carried off to exile and death. This is no historical accident; It is the LORD’s wrath against His people’s idolatry. Although Nebuchadnezzar sets up a governor over the land of Judah, the people still rebell against him and flee, ironically, to Egypt. Yet the LORD is not through with His promise, although the kingdom of Judah and the line of David seem entirely lost. Eventually, Jehoiachin, a Davidic heir, is released from prison in Babylon. Despite His people’s sin, the LORD sustains the line of the promised Christ.   Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 24:18-25:30.  To learn more about Trinity Luthera

After Josiah’s death, Judah spirals downward faster and faster toward the Babylonian exile. Jehoahaz’s three-month reign is evil, and he is replaced by Jehoiakim, appointed by Pharaoh Neco. During the evil reign of Jehoiakim, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon comes up for a first time, taking captive Daniel and his friends. After Jehoiakim’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar comes a second time. He not only loots the LORD’s house, but he also takes captive the best of the people of Judah, including Ezekiel and the Davidic king, Jehoiachin. In his place, Nebuchadnezzar leaves Zedekiah as king over Judah. With each passing verse, the text makes plain that the end of Judah is coming, just as the LORD has spoken.   Rev. Lucas Witt, executive director of the Lutheran Mission Society of Maryland, headquartered in Baltimore, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 23:31-24:17.  To learn more about the Lutheram Mission Society of Maryland, visit www.compassionplace.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iro

Josiah doesn’t leave the Book of the Law to gather dust again in the temple. Instead, he has it read to all the people, and together they join in renewing the covenant with the LORD. Taking concrete action in that faithfulness, Josiah undertakes to rid the land of idolatry as completely as possible. He even destroys the idolatrous shrine built by Jeroboam in Bethel, in fulfillment of the Word of God spoken three hundred years earlier. Furthermore, Josiah leads a Passover celebration beyond compare in the land of Judah. Nonetheless, the LORD’s judgment against Judah will be carried out, and Josiah’s life is tragically ended in battle against Pharaoh Neco of Egypt.  Rev. Tyler Hauptmeier, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Doniphan, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 23:1-30.  To learn more about St. Paul's Lutheran, visit spdoniphan.360unite.com. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of histo

Although Josiah’s father and grandfather were wicked idolaters, Josiah’s thirty-one-year reign is characterized by more faithfulness than even his great-grandfather Hezekiah. When Josiah begins to repair the temple in the eighteenth year of his reign, the book of the Law is found and read. Rather than keeping the Word of God at arm’s length, Josiah realizes that repentance is needed immediately. He turns to the LORD, and the prophetess Huldah reveals that exile will come upon Judah after Josiah has died in peace. The delay in God’s judgment does not prevent Josiah from taking faithful action in his own day.  Rev. David Boisclair, pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 22:1-20.  To learn more about Our Redeemer, visit  www.ourredeemerstl.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest di

After Hezekiah’s faithfulness, his son and grandson reverse course entirely. Manasseh’s fifty-five-year reign is full of all kinds of crass idolatry, both new and old. He also sheds innocent blood throughout Jerusalem, so that the LORD announces that the same judgment will come upon Judah as He has already brought on Israel. After the lengthy wickedness of Manasseh, Amon’s reign lasts only two years and continues in crass idolatry.   Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 21:1-26.  To learn more about Glory of Christ, visit www.gloryofchrist.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through

Two more events round out the account of Hezekiah’s reign in Judah. When Hezekiah becomes sick and learns that he will die, the king does not react to the LORD’s Word with despair but with faithful prayer, calling upon the LORD to remember. The LORD’s answer through Isaiah is immediate, promising life from death for Hezekiah. The LORD graciously gives Hezekiah a sign that His Word is true, which Hezekiah receives in faith rather than unbelief like his father Ahaz. When Babylonian envoys come to Hezekiah, however, he receives them as a potential military ally, as his father Ahaz had once wrongly trusted in Assyria. When Hezekiah hears of the LORD’s coming judgment, he responds with indifference. Hezekiah was a faithful king, to be sure, but even he needed the Savior who would be born from his line, Jesus.  Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 20:1-21.  To learn more about St. Paul's Lutheran, visit www.stpaulpaducah.org.

King Hezekiah reacts to the Assyrian threat with faith in the LORD as Hezekiah goes directly to the LORD in the temple and sends for the prophet Isaiah. The LORD responds with a promise to Hezekiah through the prophet, even as Assyria counters with lies and taunts of its own. When Hezekiah receives a letter from the Assyrian king, Hezekiah lays the letter before the LORD in the temple in prayer, and the LORD again answers through the prophet Isaiah with words that promise deliverance for Judah in Hezekiah’s days and deliverance for all people through the Christ to come. The LORD makes good on His promise by slaying the entire Assyrian army and bringing about the death of the Assyrian king in the temple of his worthless idol.  Rev. Martin Dressler, pastor at Salem Lutheran Church in Black Jack, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 19:1-37.  To learn more about Salem Lutheran, visit www.salembjmo.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The divisio

The reign of Hezekiah is a breath of fresh air after the wickedness of his father Ahaz. In faithfulness to the LORD alone, Hezekiah works to root out all sorts of idolatry in Judah. Hezekiah reigns over Judah during the destruction of Samaria, and the Assyrian threat comes against Judah next. The tribute Judah pays isn’t enough to keep Assyria away, and Assyrian officials come to threaten Jerusalem. The Rabshakeh’s speech taunts not only Hezekiah and the residents of Jerusalem, but ultimately mocks the one true God. Where Ahaz did not trust the LORD to deliver, Hezekiah will.  Rev. Andrew Jagow, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 18:1-37.  To learn more about Bethany Lutheran, visit www.bethany-lcms.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and the

During the reign of Ahaz in Judah, Hoshea comes to the throne of Israel, and he is the last king to reign in the northern kingdom. About the year 722 BC, the Assyrian Empire besieges Samaria and conquers Israel. The Scripture makes plain that this was no matter of historical accident, but rather, the LORD was bringing about His judgment against Israel for their idolatry which had characterized Israel from the days of Jeroboam son of Nebat. Judah too walked in these ways, but their destruction was yet to come. After Assyria conquered Israel, they moved some Israelites to other parts of their empire and moved other conquered people into Israel. The resulting conglomeration of people and religions provides the background for the enmity between Judeans and Samaritans in the New Testament.  Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 17:1-41.  To learn more about Crown of Life, visit www.crownoflifesa.org. "A Kingdo

The reign of King Ahaz in Judah is filled with the same wickedness that has characterized the northern kingdom, even the abominable practice of child sacrifice. When Ahaz is faced with the threat of an alliance against him, he chooses to make himself a son of the king of Assyria rather than trust in the promise made by the LORD through the prophet Isaiah. As part of appeasing the Assyrian king, Ahaz tours the pagan temple in Damascus and instructs the high priest in Jerusalem to remodel the LORD’s temple accordingly. Ahaz keeps the LORD’s altar off to the side, in case of an emergency, but his gesture is hollow. God be praised that the reign of Ahaz’s son Hezekiah is faithful.  Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 16:1-20.  To learn more about Holy Cross, visit www.holycrosswarda.com. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history w