Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. David Boisclair, interim pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Leviticus 20:1-27. The LORD continues to outline the ways that His holiness will be manifest in Israel. The worship of Molech and the accompanying child sacrifice must never be practiced in Israel; this is an abomination that must be cut off from Israel. Seeking after mediums profanes God’s name, as does cursing the parents God has given. Various kinds of sexual immorality violate the holiness of God as He lives among His people. Israel must not fall into such unholiness, lest they receive the same punishment as the inhabitants of Canaan. Instead, they must live in the holiness that God has given them as His treasured possession. “The Holiness of God” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Leviticus. Because God desired to dwell among His sinful people for their blessing rather than their destruction, He gave them the sacrifices and regulations of Leviticus to b

Rev. Nate Hill, pastor at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Winchester, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Leviticus 19:1-37. Because the LORD is holy, He gives holiness to His people for their day-to-day life. That holiness manifests itself as they seek after a life according to the Ten Commandments, beginning with the right worship of the one true God. This love of God leads to a love for neighbor, particularly the poor and the sojourner in Israel. As the LORD applies His Word to the lives of His people in a variety of circumstances, He distinguishes them from the pagans living around them. Because the LORD is their God, His people will observe His statutes and rules. “The Holiness of God” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Leviticus. Because God desired to dwell among His sinful people for their blessing rather than their destruction, He gave them the sacrifices and regulations of Leviticus to bestow His holiness upon them. In this way, the book of Leviticus points us to

Rev. Dr. Rick Marrs, senior professor of practical theology and pastoral counseling at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Leviticus 18:1-30. Because the LORD is God for His people Israel, they are not to follow the wicked examples of Egypt or Canaan in matters of marriage and sexuality. Instead, His people should live in the holiness that He has given them in the 6th Commandment. Rather than abusing the family relationships that He has given them, the Israelites must seek chastity, purity, and decency toward each other. If they make themselves unclean in this way, the same penalty that the LORD gave to the Canaanites could be brought upon them. Because our world bombards us with any number of perverse sexual temptations, we must seek after forgiveness and holiness in Christ alone. “The Holiness of God” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Leviticus. Because God desired to dwell among His sinful people for their blessing rather than their dest

Rev. Joshua Haller, pastor at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fairgrove, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Leviticus 17:1-16. The LORD instructs His people concerning the proper place for worship. Their sacrifices are not to be made wherever they want, but in the place that He has directed. In this way, they will not bear the guilt of their sins, but their guilt will be taken away. Similarly, the LORD instructs His people concerning the proper content of their worship, especially regarding blood. Unlike pagan practices that sought to gain spiritual power by consuming the blood of animals, the LORD forbid His people to drink the blood of their sacrifices or of any animals, for God had placed their life within the blood. This prepared the way for Christ’s own words in His new testament. God’s people were not to seek life by consuming any blood in the old covenant because He gives life in His Divine Blood in the Sacrament in the new covenant. “The Holiness of God” is a series on Sharper Iron

Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Leviticus 16:1-34. The Day of Atonement is central to Leviticus, not only structurally, but especially theologically. In the rites for the Day of Atonement, the LORD provides cleansing for the sins of His people, so that they do not die like Nadab and Abihu, and He provides cleansing for the tabernacle, so that the sins of Israel do not keep Him from dwelling in their midst. Both the sacrifices and the scapegoat point forward to Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. He is our mercy seat, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins. “The Holiness of God” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Leviticus. Because God desired to dwell among His sinful people for their blessing rather than their destruction, He gave them the sacrifices and regulations of Leviticus to bestow His holiness upon them. In this way, the book of Leviticus points us to Christ who is

Rev. Chris Hull, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Tomball, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Leviticus 15:1-33. Although the LORD’s teaching concerning bodily discharges may strike modern readers as unusual, the LORD’s concern is revealed in the structure of the chapter. At the center is the relationship between the husband and the wife. Though the consummation of their relationship is not some special source of holiness, as pagans practiced, still the LORD protects and honors His good gift to husband and wife. The proper place for God’s gift of sexuality to husband and wife is in their home, not in His home. In this way, the LORD teaches us to receive holiness as a gift from Him alone and to seek to live in that holiness within our own homes. “The Holiness of God” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Leviticus. Because God desired to dwell among His sinful people for their blessing rather than their destruction, He gave them the sacrifices and regulations of Leviticus to

Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Leviticus 14:1-57. The LORD teaches His priests how those who have been healed from various skin diseases can be made clean and restored to the full fellowship of the people of Israel. The LORD provided for bathing and sacrifices by which His gift of restoration could be received, culminating in the eighth day. Because Israelite homes were an extension of the LORD’s house, decaying infections in them needed to be made clean as well. This text points forward to Christ, who brought cleansing to a leper by His touch and cleanses all sinners from their uncleannesses. “The Holiness of God” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Leviticus. Because God desired to dwell among His sinful people for their blessing rather than their destruction, He gave them the sacrifices and regulations of Leviticus to bestow His holiness upon them. In this way, the book of Leviticus points us to Christ

Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier, teacher for Wittenberg Academy, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Leviticus 13:1-59. The LORD provides instructions for His priests to distinguish between clean and unclean in various skin diseases. A skin disease that makes an Israelite unclean is one that shows decay and death on the way. Because this is a reminder of the effects of original sin, it is not appropriate in the presence of the LORD’s holiness. Because clothing was seen as a second skin for a person, similar decay in clothing rendered it unclean as well. When the uncleanness appeared on the head, the whole person was unclean as a leper. Christ is the fulfillment of this chapter as the God who clothed Himself in our skin in order cleanse us and clothe us with His righteousness. “The Holiness of God” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Leviticus. Because God desired to dwell among His sinful people for their blessing rather than their destruction, He gave them the sacrifices and regulat

Rev. Jason Schockman, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Leviticus 11:1-12:8. In the wake of the death of Nadab and Abihu, the LORD makes plain the distinction between clean and unclean. He starts with the matter of Israelite diet. That which is sacrificed at the LORD’s altar makes the difference. That food which is fit for the LORD’s table is fit for tables in Israelite homes; that food which does not have a place on the LORD’s table should not be set on Israelite tables either. The purification of a mother after childbirth points forward to our LORD’s presentation at the temple, when He fulfilled the Law in our place and was proclaimed a light for the nations. “The Holiness of God” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Leviticus. Because God desired to dwell among His sinful people for their blessing rather than their destruction, He gave them the sacrifices and regulations of Leviticus to bestow His holiness upon them. In

Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Leviticus 10:1-20. The euphoria of the initial Divine Service is replaced by the horror of the death of Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu. Because they attempted to approach the LORD’s holiness on their own terms, His holiness consumes them in their sin. The LORD provides for their uncleanness to be removed from His presence and commissions Aaron to distinguish between the holy and the common and between teh clean and the unclean, teaching the people the LORD’s statutes. Aaron puts this into practice immediately concerning the matter of eating the sin offering, receiving the approval of Moses and the LORD. “The Holiness of God” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Leviticus. Because God desired to dwell among His sinful people for their blessing rather than their destruction, He gave them the sacrifices and regulations of Leviticus to bestow His holiness upon them. In this way, th

Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Leviticus 9:1-24.  Having come to the eighth day of Aaron’s consecration, the LORD gives instructions for the high priest to begin his role among the people. The LORD’s purpose is realized when His glory appears to all the people at the conclusion of the Divine Service and His fire consumes the burnt offering. The dual blessing that is given serves as the paradigm for God’s intention for every Divine Service. Through the sacrifices and offerings that He has commanded, He intends to put His name upon His people and bless them by His holiness among them. Through the Divine Service of Word and Sacrament now, God still gives to us His blessing through all that Jesus has done for us. “The Holiness of God” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Leviticus. Because God desired to dwell among His sinful people for their blessing rather than their destruction, He gave them the sacrific

Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, pastor and evangelist at Trinity Lutheran Church in Denver, CO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Leviticus 8:1-36.  The book of Leviticus begins a narrative section as the LORD instructs Moses how to consecrate Aaron and his sons as priests. The vestments they are given to wear and the sacrifices that are made serve to set them apart for their holy work. At the same time, this also serves as a reminder that their priesthood is incomplete and imperfect. This points us toward Jesus as our Great High Priest, true God clothed in our humanity. He has no need to offer sacrifice for Himself, but He gives Himself as sacrifice for our sins.  “The Holiness of God” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Leviticus. Because God desired to dwell among His sinful people for their blessing rather than their destruction, He gave them the sacrifices and regulations of Leviticus to bestow His holiness upon them. In this way, the book of Leviticus points us to Christ who is ou

Rev. Rick Jones, Chaplain and Vice-President of Spiritual Life at the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch in Minot, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Leviticus 7:1-38. The LORD continues to give more explicit instructions to His priests for the way they will carry out the sacrifices for the people of Israel. The details remind us both of the seriousness and the gift of encountering God’s holiness. He desires to be at table with His people in the peace offering, and He desires to provide for His priests through various parts of many different sacrifices. He is the One who determines what is clean and unclean in order to bring His people closer to Himself in a way that will bless them. In all of this, the LORD points forward to the work of our great High Priest, Jesus. “The Holiness of God” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Leviticus. Because God desired to dwell among His sinful people for their blessing rather than their destruction, He gave them the sacrifices and regulations o

Rev. Caleb Adams, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bend, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Leviticus 5:14-6:30. The LORD speaks to Moses concerning guilt offerings that the people of Israel could bring especially in cases of sin in which restitution toward God or a neighbor would be made. Through the guilt offering, the LORD restored not only His holiness to His people, but also brought reconciliation among His people. Significantly, Jesus is described as this very type of sacrifice as the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53:10. As the text transitions in the midst of chapter 6, the LORD gives further details for His priests as they carry out the sacrifices of Israel, especially concerning the holy fire of the altar and the holiness bestowed when the priests partake of certain sacrifices. “The Holiness of God” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Leviticus. Because God desired to dwell among His sinful people for their blessing rather than their destruction, He gave them the sac

Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Leviticus 4:1-5:13. The LORD details the sacrifices that would be brought before Him in the case of unintentional sins. The fact that the LORD provides sacrifices for unintentional sins shows the deadly serious nature of all sin as well as the LORD’s concern for the consolation of consciences in the certainty of His forgiveness. The type of animal sacrificed was based not on the type of sin, but on the person who had committed it. In providing a sacrifice for even the poorest among His people, the LORD showed that receiving His holiness was not a matter of human merit or worth, but solely a matter of His grace in Christ. “The Holiness of God” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Leviticus. Because God desired to dwell among His sinful people for their blessing rather than their destruction, He gave them the sacrifices and regulations of Leviticus to bestow His holiness upon

Rev. Vance Becker, LCMS missionary serving as a theological education at Neema Lutheran College in Matongo, Kenya, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Leviticus 3:1-17. The LORD describes the peace offerings that His people could bring before Him. As in other sacrifices, the fat belonged solely to the LORD. The most important feature of the peace offerings was the ability of the worshiper to partake of the meat from the sacrifice. Because of the celebratory nature of the meal and the amount of food, entire families normally participated in peace offerings especially during the three feasts when all Israel came together. The participation of God’s people in eating the peace offerings especially anticipates the way our Lord Jesus Christ invites us to eat His own Body and Blood in His Holy Supper. “The Holiness of God” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Leviticus. Because God desired to dwell among His sinful people for their blessing rather than their destruction, He gave them th

Rev. Andy Wright, pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Leviticus 2:1-16. The LORD describes grain offerings that His people may bring before Him. Unlike the burnt offering in which the entire sacrifice was consumed on the altar, part of the grain offerings are to be eaten by the priests. Neither leaven nor honey is to be burned with the grain offerings, but they must all be seasoned with salt. The pleasing aroma of the offering once again ascends before the LORD as a sign that the Israelite worshipper is pleasing in the LORD's sight, according to His promise. “The Holiness of God” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Leviticus. Because God desired to dwell among His sinful people for their blessing rather than their destruction, He gave them the sacrifices and regulations of Leviticus to bestow His holiness upon them. In this way, the book of Leviticus points us to Christ who is our great High Priest who offered Himself as the pe

Rev. Dr. Adam Hensley, associate professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Leviticus 1:1-17. Although the book of Leviticus is unfamiliar to many Christians today, it occupies a key place within the Holy Scriptures. The people of God are encamped at Mt. Sinai, and the LORD has taken up residence among them in the tabernacle. How can He dwell among them with His holiness without consuming them in their sin? Through the rites given in Leviticus, the LORD bridges that gap. The first seven chapters speak of offerings that the people can present before the LORD in order that they can receive His holiness as the gift that He intends. The sacrifice given in the first chapter is the burnt offering, which is burned entirely on the altar so that the pleasing aroma ascends before the LORD. Because He has declared it a pleasing aroma, the worshiping Israelite could be assured that the LORD is pleased with Him. This is fulfilled in Christ, whose sacr

“The Holiness of God” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Leviticus. Because God desired to dwell among His sinful people for their blessing rather than their destruction, He gave them the sacrifices and regulations of Leviticus to bestow His holiness upon them. In this way, the book of Leviticus points us to Christ who is our great High Priest who offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice to make us holy before God. 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. Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, where your investments help support the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit lcef.org.

Rev. Mark Squire, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Ecclesiastes 12:9-14. Solomon brings the book of Ecclesiastes to a beautiful conclusion. He has studied and taught with diligence; the words of delight that he has found are the words of truth. Such truth is assured because it is not human wisdom; it comes from God alone. His wisdom is to be sought more than any books of human writing. What is the ultimate wisdom for this life under the sun? The answer is simple yet all-encompassing. Fear God and keep His commandments. “Wisdom for Life Under the Sun” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Ecclesiastes. Solomon’s favorite word in Ecclesiastes paints a bleak picture: “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity!” Apart from God, life is nothing but vapor that does not last and can never be grasped. Yet Solomon does not leave us in despair. He shows us that life does have meaning in the faith and fear of God, from whom all things come to