Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. David Boisclair, pastor at Bethesda and Faith Lutheran Churches in north St. Louis County, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 15:1-23. As the LORD provided rest for His people on the seventh day, so He instructed His people to give release to debts in the seventh year. Through this provision, the LORD teaches His people to show concern for the poor. The LORD knows their propensity for greed, so He seeks to give them a generous heart like His own. The same sort of concern for the poor in the land is to be shown in the matter of a fellow Israelite who sells himself into slavery to pay a debt. As the people live together in the land, they are to remember that the LORD had freed them from slavery and continued to provide for their every need. “The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Deuteronomy. Though Moses’ lengthy sermons in Deuteronomy may be tempting to skip, this influential book is essential reading for Christians. As Moses

Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church and School in Terra Bella, CA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 14:22-29. The LORD instructs His people to bring a tithe of their produce in order to provide for the priests and Levites and to care for the poor within their towns. Giving a tenth of the produce of the land was not intended as an onerous obligation; rather, it was an opportunity for joyous thanksgiving and worship to the LORD. The LORD had given all things to His people in abundance; therefore, they responded by freely giving to others from His gifts. Although the tithe is not commanded in the New Testament, still Christians give freely and joyfully from the abundance that God has granted to them. Because He has given all things to us in Christ, we give joyfully in thanksgiving to Him and for service to our neighbor. “The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Deuteronomy. Though Moses’ lengthy sermons in Deuteronomy may be

Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 14:1-21. Israel’s status as sons of the LORD is the foundation for all that the LORD gives them to do. The LORD has made His people His children as a gift so that they are holy in the same way that He is holy. He has chosen them to be His treasured possession, completely by His grace. This reality leads Israel to live as God’s holy people in the matters of their mourning practices and in their diet. They are not to mourn as the pagan nations around them, but they mourn as those who have hope in the LORD. The foods prescribed by the LORD as clean are good not due to something inherent within the food, but due to the LORD’s command and promise. Though these dietary laws do not apply to Christians today due to Christ’s word and fulfillment, still we live as God’s people in all that we do because He has made us His holy children. “The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series

Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, pastor and evangelist at Trinity Lutheran Church in Denver, CO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 12:32-13:18. Moses again warns the people neither to add nor subtract from God’s Word, particularly with the danger of idolatry in mind. He gives instructions on how to handle three different cases in which idolatry might arise in Israel. In the case of a prophet or dreamer, Israel must test his words against the Word of God. Even if his signs come to pass, the prophet has revealed himself as false. In the case of a family member who is enticing others into idolatry, emotional attachment must not cause the family to fail in standing against false doctrine. In the case of an entire city having gone astray, careful investigation must be made and idolatry must be exterminated, when it is present. The death penalty prescribed in the Old Testament shows the seriousness of idolatry. Paul’s instructions in the New Testament do not give place for such physical punishment, but exc

Rev. Dr. Adam Filipek, pastor at Holy Cross and Immanuel Lutheran Churches in Lidgerwood, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 12:1-31. Moses’ second sermon transitions to more concrete applications of the Decalogue; he starts with the Third Commandment concerning Israel’s worship in the Promised Land. They must destroy all idolatry in the land; they must not imitate any idolatrous practices or use any idolatrous places for their worship. Instead, they must go to the place the LORD will place His name. There they will offer sacrifices by which the LORD will give them atonement. There they will bring offerings of thanksgiving and tithes that support the Levites. These point us toward Christ, who offered Himself as the once-for-all sacrifice on the altar of the cross. Now Christians receive the fruit of His sacrifice and His very life from His Body and Blood given in the Sacrament of the Altar. “The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of

Rev. Andy Wright, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Keystone, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 11:1-32. Moses tells Israel to love the LORD because He is their God. His discipline has taught them to trust in Him as He showed His might to save them from Egypt and as He showed His judgment against unbelief. The LORD gives His commands to Israel for their good; when they keep them, they will receive His blessing. The rain that He sends from heaven upon the Promised Land is a visible reminder of this fact. The Word of God that brings life for Israel must be passed down to the next generation as fathers speak it to their children. In the way of the LORD’s Word is blessing and life; in the opposite way is curse and death. Moses urges the people to be careful to do all that the LORD has commanded in the way of blessing. “The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Deuteronomy. Though Moses’ lengthy sermons in Deuteronomy may be tempting

Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 10:1-22. As Moses recounts the new stone tablets of the Decalogue, he reminds Israel that the LORD had listened to his intercessory prayer. By placing both tablets of the Decalogue into the ark, the LORD showed His people that He went with them and dwelled with them. Now, as Israel prepares to enter the Promised Land, Moses calls upon the people to fear the LORD, walk in His ways, love Him, and serve Him. This happens as the people circumcise their hearts in faith, knowing that the LORD is the almighty God over all who loves them and has kept His promises to them. “The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Deuteronomy. Though Moses’ lengthy sermons in Deuteronomy may be tempting to skip, this influential book is essential reading for Christians. As Moses strengthened Israel on the plains of Moab before the people entered the Promised La

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 9:1-29. As Israel prepares to drive out peoples with great power and might, Moses assures them that the LORD will go before them to destroy their enemies for them. Israel must not let this turn to pride in their hearts, as if they have some kind of inherent righteousness. The LORD is punishing the Canaanites’ great wickedness; He is not rewarding a righteousness that Israel has done. In fact, Moses reminds them that they have been rebellious over and over again. Even at Sinai, where the LORD graciously spoke to them, Israel worshiped a golden calf. Their rebellion was seen at other places in their wilderness wandering. Yet the LORD was gracious to listen to the intercession of Moses, proclaiming the even greater intercession of Christ on behalf of us sinners. “The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Deuteronomy. Though Moses’ lengthy sermon

Rev. Zelwyn Heide, pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hannover, ND and Zion Lutheran Church in New Salem, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 8:1-20. Moses reminds Israel that the LORD sustained them in the wilderness; only by His grace did Israel not only survive, but even thrive, in a terribly difficult place to live. Though the Promised Land will be a far more fruitful environment, still Israel will only be sustained there by the LORD and His Word. The LORD disciplined His people in the wilderness in order to teach them faith in His Word in preparation for entering the Promised Land. The riches they will know in Canaan may tempt them to forget and become prideful. If Israel thinks that their own might brought them into the Promised Land, they are sure to fall into idolatry. Moses warns them ahead of time, lest they fall under the same judgment as the other nations. “The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Deuteronomy. Though

Rev. Shawn Linnell, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blair, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 7:1-26. Moses instructs Israel how to handle the nations already living in Canaan; these idolatrous nations are to be devoted to complete destruction. Such is God’s just judgment for their refusal to repent and His protection for His own people, lest they be led astray into idolatry. Israel dare not look upon the other nations in arrogance or pride, however. The LORD chose them entirely due to His love and faithfulness. They will live with Him as their God as they listen, keep, and do His Word. When they seek His kingdom first, He adds all things needful. Israel need not be afraid of the nations living in the Promised Land; just as the LORD was with Israel against Egypt, so He will be with them and deliver them from their enemies in Canaan. “The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Deuteronomy. Though Moses’ lengthy sermons in Deuteron

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 6:1-25. Moses begins an extended meditation on the First Commandment. In light of the LORD’s promise to be Israel’s God, their response is first and foremost to listen. They need to constantly listen that the LORD is their God and that He is the one true God. From this faith stems Israel’s love for God with their entire being. From this faith stems parents teaching their children who the true God is and what His Word teaches. Care is needed lest Israel forget the LORD in the Promised Land and go after other gods. Moses implores the new generation to learn from the sins of their fathers and to receive the LORD’s blessings in faith, all the while teaching their children to follow in this same Christian faith. “The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Deuteronomy. Though Moses’ lengthy sermons in Deuteronomy may be tempting to skip, this

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 Deuteronomy 5:22-33. Moses recounts what happened after the LORD gave the Decalogue. He highlights the importance of the event by reminding Israel of the “thick darkness” on the mountain. This connects the theophany at Sinai to the day of the LORD when He sets all things right. The fact that the Decalogue was written further underscores its significance. Through the event, the people of Israel saw God’s grace in speaking to them, while at the same time recognizing their need for a mediator to continue to hear His Word. The LORD commended their request and appointed Moses to do so, a foreshadowing of our final mediator, Jesus Christ. With that historical background, Moses encourages the people now to walk in the way that the LORD has given them. “The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the b

Rev. Tim Koch, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Linn, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 4:44-5:21. Moses begins his second sermon in Deuteronomy by echoing his exhortation at the end of the first: “Listen!” He reminds the people that the covenant the LORD made at Sinai was not simply for their fathers; it was for this generation as well. In the same way, God’s Word continues to be for Christians today. Moses had served as the mediator for the LORD’s Word to the people; Jesus is the prophet like Moses who is our Mediator. Moses repeats the Decalogue as the foundation for the LORD’s covenant. The LORD defines Himself for His people as their Savior from slavery in Egypt and calls them to live in His gift of freedom according to His will. The Decalogue continues to describe a godly life for Christians today and point us to our need for Christ, who fulfilled the Decalogue perfectly. “The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Deuteronomy

Rev. Joel Haak, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 4:25-43. Moses brings his first sermon in Deuteronomy to a close. He warns the people against spiritual senility once they have entered into the Promised Land. The temptation to forget the LORD and turn toward idolatry will be great. If Israel falls in that way, heaven and earth stand as witnesses against them that they will not live long in the land and will be carried away into exile. Yet even there, the LORD remains gracious and merciful, desiring that His people return to Him. Moses reminds the people that the LORD is God like no other. His work for Israel is entirely unique; He has shown them time and again that He is the only true God. Therefore, Israel must listen to the LORD’s Word. After concluding his first sermon, Moses sets aside three cities of refuge on the east side of the Jordan River in fulfillment of the LORD’s Word and as a reminder of the promise yet to be fulfilled whe

Rev. Doug Griebenaw, mission advocate for KFUO Radio in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 4:1-24. Moses makes a turn in his first sermon in Deuteronomy as he exhorts the people to listen. The Word of God defines their reality. Therefore, they must receive His Word without addition or subtraction, trusting that His Word is good and true. Following idols has never meant anything but death for Israel; Moses urges them toward life in the LORD, the true God. His Word is wisdom and understanding. Even the pagans will realize the unique grace of the LORD in being near to His people. Israel must hold onto this wisdom and pass it down to their children, lest they fall into idolatrous worship in the Promised Land. This will happen through the true fear of the LORD, who is jealous of His people as their husband. “The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Deuteronomy. Though Moses’ lengthy sermons in Deuteronomy may be tempting to sk

Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 3:12-29. Moses reminds the people how the LORD had already given and apportioned land to them on the east side of the Jordan River. The LORD gave that land to two-and-a-half tribes according to their need to care for their livestock. Though they had already received land, they were faithful to the whole people of Israel by going over the Jordan to fight with their brothers. Because Joshua would be the one to lead the people into the Promised Land, Moses strengthened him with the LORD’s promise. Moses’ request to go into the Promised Land shows both confidence in God’s mercy and humility to receive God’s answer. The LORD refuses to let Moses go into the Promised Land, yet Moses will still get to see the land and continue to encourage Joshua for the task ahead. “The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Deuteronomy. Though Moses’ lengthy s

Rev. Dan Speckhard, pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church and School in North Judson, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 2:24-3:11. Moses’ first sermon in Deuteronomy now begins to recall events much closer to the present. Already on the east side of the Jordan River, the LORD had begun to give His people land as a foretaste of the fulfillment of the Promised Land. Sihon, king of Heshbon, had an opportunity to have peace with Israel. However, he rejected Moses’ offer, and Sihon received the judgment he desired. The LORD’s decisive victories over both Sihon and Og fits into the larger picture of His promise to send a Savior. Nothing, not even the gigantic king Og, will stand in the way of the LORD fulfilling His promise. “The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Deuteronomy. Though Moses’ lengthy sermons in Deuteronomy may be tempting to skip, this influential book is essential reading for Christians. As Moses strengthened Israel on th

Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, associate pastor and headmaster at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 2:1-23. Moses recounts the wilderness wanderings of Israel. The LORD directed them around land that belonged to their relatives, Edom, Moab, and Ammon. The LORD is the One who owns all territory and apportions it according to His gracious will. While they wandered in the wilderness, all of the Israelite men of war perished, according to the Word of the LORD. The LORD’s faithfulness to His Word of judgment is a reminder that He is also faithful to His Word of salvation. “The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Deuteronomy. Though Moses’ lengthy sermons in Deuteronomy may be tempting to skip, this influential book is essential reading for Christians. As Moses strengthened Israel on the plains of Moab before the people entered the Promised Land, so the book of Deuteronomy still strengthens the Church

Rev. Tim Storck, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Chesterfield Township, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 1:26-46. As Moses continues his first sermon in Deuteronomy, he reminds the people how their initial journey toward the Promised Land was quickly derailed by their unfaithfulness. Despite Moses’ reassurance that the LORD had not failed them in the past and He would surely keep His promise yet again, the people did not believe the LORD. When they refused to go into the Promised Land, the LORD swore in His anger that the rebellious generation of Israelites would not enter, except for Joshua and Caleb. Instead, the toddlers and children would receive the Promised Land as a gift from the LORD. When the Israelites again failed to receive this Word from the LORD and attempted to take the Promised Land on their own, they failed miserably and were forced to stay in Kadesh for quite some time. “The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through th

Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 1:6-25. Moses begins his first sermon in Deuteronomy by rewinding the clock forty years, to the time when the LORD told His people to leave Sinai. He sent them toward the land He had promised to their fathers. According to the LORD’s promise to Abraham, the nation had grown extensively. Even as Moses prayed in thanksgiving and for such continued multiplication, he recognized his own inability to lead such a huge nation. Godly wisdom is on display throughout Moses’ work to put leaders in place who will lead in faithfulness to the LORD. When the LORD gave the command to enter into the Promised Land, the people initially sent spies into the land and recognized that the land God was giving them was good. God’s faithfulness to His promise dominates this part of Moses’ first sermon. “The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Deuteronomy. Tho