Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Just as Abraham seems to be cruising toward a peaceful end of his life, the LORD tests Abraham by telling him to sacrifice his only son Isaac. Abraham acts according to the LORD’s Word in the faith that the LORD will keep His promise, even if that means raising Isaac from the dead. The LORD stops Abraham from sacrificing Isaac, and the LORD provides the sacrifice Himself, foreshadowing the gift of His only Son, Jesus, as the sacrifice in place of all sinners.  Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Oakmont, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 22:1-18.  To learn more about Redeemer Lutheran, visit redeemer-oakmont.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Tim

Abimelech, king of Gerar, recognizes that God has blessed Abraham and sees the importance of being on good terms with such a prominent man. The two come to an agreement intended for themselves and their posterity. That agreement is put to the test when a dispute arises concerning a well of water. The name given to the well, Beersheba, recalls both the oath made there and the prominence of the number seven. Abraham plants a tree there and calls upon the LORD as the Everlasting God. This account of Abimelech and Abraham serves as a reminder that the LORD will bless all nations through Abraham and his offspring.  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 Genesis 21:22-34.  To learn more about Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, visit dakotaranch.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we lear

The LORD keeps the promise He has been repeating for twenty-five years when Isaac is conceived and born to Abraham and Sarah. Although Isaac’s name does recall his parents’ laughter at God’s promises, his name also serves as a reminder of the joy at God’s gift. After Isaac is weaned, conflict arises when Sarah sees Ishmael laughing. The LORD tells Abraham that it is right to send Ishmael away because the LORD will name Abraham’s offspring through Isaac. Still, the LORD takes care of Hagar and Ishmael and keeps the promise He made concerning Ishmael previously.  Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 21:1-21.  To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit gracebrenham.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus C

When Abraham sojourns in Gerar, he once again says that his wife Sarah is only his sister. The LORD acts swiftly to prevent Abimelech, the king in Gerar, from committing adultery with Sarah, lest there be any confusion concerning the promised son she will soon carry. Abimelech listens to God’s warning and speaks to Abraham about what has happened. Upon hearing Abraham’s answer, Abimelech gives generously to Abraham, who prays for Abimelech so that the LORD shows mercy. Although Abraham’s faith looks weak in this text, the LORD remains faithful to the promises He has made.  Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 20:1-18.  To learn more about St. Matthew Lutheran, visit GraceFaithLove.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of

Lot fails to act on God’s Word with urgency and needlessly delays leaving Sodom. The LORD remains merciful to Lot in his weakness, and the angels agree to Lot’s requests. The LORD’s destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is just and calls all to repent of their sins. At the same time that the LORD is destroying the wickedness of sin, He is also rescuing His people in faithfulness to His promise. After Lot’s wife becomes a pillar of salt, Lot’s daughters take advantage of their father in his grief. Even as this text shows the effects of sin, God’s mercy does not fail.  Rev. Andy Wright, pastor at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 19:15-38.  To learn more about St. John's in Topeka, visit stjohnlcmstopeka.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the

When the two angels arrive in Sodom, Lot receives them with Christian welcome. Lot’s hospitality stands in stark contrast to the evil intentions of the men of Sodom. Whatever Lot’s intentions were in offering his daughters to the men, he was only adding evil to evil. The angels quickly intervene before the situation devolves further, striking the men of Sodom blind. When the angels urge Lot and his family to leave the city quickly, Lot warns his sons-in-law, but they only scoff. This account warns us against falling into the same wickedness found in Sodom and urges us to heed the warning of God’s Law before the Day of Judgment comes.  Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 19:1-14.  To learn more about Trinity in Ottumwa, visit trinitylutheranottumwa.com. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of

As Abraham’s visitors begin to leave, the LORD deliberates about revealing to Abraham what is about to happen to Sodom and Gomorrah. The LORD shows His patience as He decides to go down and see the greatness of the outcry of the wickedness of these two cities. As the two angels turn toward Sodom, Abraham remains before the LORD to intercede on behalf of the righteous in the two wicked cities. He implores the LORD based on the LORD’s justice, asking Him to spare the city for the sake of His own people there. The LORD responds in His grace, promising that He will not destroy the cities for the sake of ten righteous ones.  Rev. Sean Daenzer, director of worship for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and chaplain at the International Center in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 18:16-33.  “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepar

When three visitors come to Abraham’s tent, he quickly shows them joyful and overflowing hospitality. These three are no ordinary visitors; this is the LORD and His angels who have come. As they eat the meal Abraham has served, the LORD serves Abraham in an even greater way. He promises that in about a year’s time, He will give Abraham the promised child through Sarah. Her laughter in the tent is misplaced; no promise of the LORD’s is too great for Him to keep.  Rev. Andrew Belt, pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Marshfield, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 18:1-15.  To learn more about Christ Lutheran, visit christmarshfield.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timoth

Thirteen years after Ishmael’s birth, the LORD appears to Abram with the news that the birth of the promised child is imminent. The LORD gives both Abram and Sarai new names; they will now be called Abraham and Sarah. As a sign of the covenant the LORD has made with Abraham, the LORD gives Abraham and his descendants circumcision as a reminder that the promised child comes through God’s action. Although Abraham laughs at God’s promise and suggests Ishmael could be his heir, the LORD confirms that Sarah will bear the son whose name will recall Abraham’s laughter. Abraham puts his faith in God’s promise into action by receiving circumcision along with his whole household.  Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 17:1-24.  To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit graceelgin.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn t

When Sarai sees that she remains barren, she tells Abram to have a child with her maidservant Hagar. If human wisdom thought this would help God keep His Word, the opposite proves true. Abram’s family life quickly experiences harm as Hagar runs away. Yet the LORD is quick to find Hagar. He calls her back to Abram’s household and makes a promise to Hagar’s son. Ishmael’s birth to Abram stands as a witness to God’s faithfulness in the midst of human unfaithfulness.  Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 16:1-16.  To learn more about Immanuel in Roswell, visit immanuelroswell.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. T

To make His promise more certain, the LORD identifies Himself to Abram as the One who brought Abram from his homeland to possess the Promised Land. When Abram asks for further confirmation, the LORD tells Abram to sacrifice several animals. The LORD attaches His Word to this sign that Abraham’s descendants will serve as slaves in a foreign nation, but the LORD will rescue them and bring them back to the Promised Land. When the LORD passes through the sacrificed animals, He promises that He will keep His Word to Abram and his Offspring.  Rev. Nate Hill, pastor at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Winchester, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 15:7-21.  To learn more about St. Michael's, visit stmichaelswinchester.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of

After Abram rescues Lot, the LORD reassures Abram with His promise. Yet Abram sees that a household servant is currently his heir, and Abram questions the LORD what He will give since no child has yet been born to him. The LORD doubles down on His promise, telling Abram that a child will be born of his own loins. As a visual sermon, the LORD challenges Abram to count the stars. Such will be the number of Abram’s descendants. Abram believes this promise, and the LORD counts that faith as righteousness. Such is the way all Christians are saved: through faith in the promise of God in Jesus.  Rev. Jeremy Swem, pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in Grand Rapids, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 15:1-6.  To learn more about Our Savior, visit oursavior-gr.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulf

Lot’s choice to go toward Sodom and Gomorrah quickly brings trouble when Lot and his household are captured during a war between various kings. When Abram hears of his nephew’s plight, he organizes his household to come to the rescue, bringing blessing to pagan kings along the way. When Abram returns, the king of Salem, Melchizedek, blesses Abram and receives a gift from the patriarch. Whereas the king of Sodom shows himself wily regarding the spoils of war, Abram shows himself above reproach.  Rev. Mark Squire, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 14:1-24.  To learn more about Immanuel in St. Ansgar, visit immanuelsta.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 

Abram’s wealth increased during his sojourn in Egypt, along with the wealth of his nephew Lot. When the two families attempt to live side-by-side upon their return, conflict ensues. Abram does not covet earthly wealth for himself and entrusts himself to the LORD by letting Lot choose which portion of land to inhabit. Lot’s choice foreshadows the later judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah. When Abram receives his portion of the land, the LORD reiterates His promise to multiply Abram’s offspring.  Rev. Jeff Hemmer, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 13:1-18.  To learn more about Bethany Lutheran, visit bethanylcms.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head.  Sh

Due to a severe famine in Canaan, Abram takes his household to sojourn in Egypt. Out of fear that they will kill him on account of Sarai’s beauty, Abram instructs her to say that she is his sister. Although Abram has God’s promise, he attempts to help God keep it. God does, in fact, keep His promise to Abram by causing Pharaoh to deal well with Abram and enrich his household. The LORD uses a plague to prevent Pharaoh from sinning against Sarai and Abram, and Pharaoh sends them on their way back to Canaan.  Rev. Ned Moerbe, pastor at Memorial Lutheran Church and School in Houston, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 12:10-20.  To learn more about Memorial Lutheran, visit mlchouston.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our en

The LORD speaks to Abram and tells him to leave his homeland to go to the place the LORD will show. The LORD gives His promise to Abram that he will become a great nation through whom all the families of the earth will be blessed. Though the line of the Seed will go through this family, He will still come for all the world. In faith, Abram goes as the LORD had spoken, passing through the whole land and worshiping the LORD.  Rev. Joel Haak, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church and School in Fraser, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 12:1-9.  To learn more about St. John Lutheran, visit stjohnfraser.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy

Moses returns to the genealogy of the Promised Seed as he traces the generations from Shem to Terah. Although the ages are still impressive, the shortening years of the lives of men recalls sin’s deadly effect. When the genealogy reaches Terah, Moses focuses on his family, which like Noah’s before him, includes three sons. As the text focuses toward the son of Terah, Abram, who has a barren wife, we are reminded that God will accomplish His purpose according to His grace and mercy, not according to human wisdom.  Rev. Matt Wietfeldt, Assistant Vice President of Admissions at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 11:10-32.  To learn more about Concordia Theological Seminary, visit ctsfw.edu. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, t

After the flood, the LORD commanded the descendants of Noah to multiply and fill the earth. In rebellion against this Word of God, people in the plain of Shinar all settled together and began to build a tower to make a name for themselves. Their tower remained puny before the LORD, who came down and confused their language in order to accomplish His purpose of spreading people throughout the earth. The place’s name, Babel, recalled this work of the LORD. He has now brought unity to languages, not by making them all the same, but by causing the one Gospel to be preached in all of them.  Rev. David Vandercook, pastor at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Crawford, NE and Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Harrison, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 11:1-9.  To learn more about Bethlehem and Redeemer Lutheran, visit www.belccrawford.org and relcharrison.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s e

Moses details various nations that the LORD brings about through the three sons of Noah after the flood. The extensive record reminds us that all humanity shares a common ancestry going back to Noah, and the LORD cares about all humanity. Particular nations and individuals are highlighted due to their ongoing significance in the Old Testament and their enduring interactions with the nation of Israel. The number of the nations listed in the chapter corresponds closely to the number of disciples Jesus sends out in Luke 10, highlighting that the Gospel is for all nations.  Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 10:1-32.  To learn more about Calvary Lutheran, visit calvarymechanicsburg.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfil

After the LORD calls Noah and those with him off the ark, the narrative turns to focus more on the sons of Noah. Noah trusts the LORD’s promises in planting a vineyard. However, because sin still infects the world even after the flood, Noah overindulges on God’s gift of wine and becomes drunk. Ham sinfully exposes his father’s shame, while Shem and Japheth rightly cover him. This provides a picture of the way Christians are to forgive the sins against them as the LORD has first forgiven us.  Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 9:18-28.  To learn more about Redeemer Lutheran, visit Redeemer-Lawrence.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head.  Sha