Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

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

Rev. Andrew Jagow, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Ecclesiastes 12:1-8. Solomon commands those who are young to remember their Creator now, before old age comes. Using a variety of poetic images, Solomon describes both the reality that death will come to all and the reality that all will stand before God on the Last Day. Even as he restates his theme of vanity in this life under the sun, Solomon continues to hold out the hope of eternal life and resurrection from God, to Whom our spirits return. “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 us as a gift.

Rev. Ian Kinney, pastor at First Lutheran Church in Sabetha, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Ecclesiastes 11:1-10. With the image of casting bread upon waters, Solomon commends generosity. Not only does this serve the neighbor in need, but it helps us to fight against materialism. Humility is needed, for God’s work and will is over all things. Although we do not know what the future holds, we know that the Lord will be faithful whatever comes. This sets us free to work with joy at every stage of life that God gives. “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 us as a gift.

Rev. David Boisclair, interim pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Ecclesiastes 10:8-20. Though our work may have useful intentions, that does not guarantee safe outcomes; the logs we intend to use to build houses may end up bringing harm to us. Still, Solomon commends wisdom for the sake of bringing success to work. Fools may speak many words, thinking that they know what will happen, but such foolishness only leads to evil madness. This is particularly harmful when the fool is a king. Through all the twists and turns of life, the fear of God is the only refuge any of us can truly have. “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

Rev. Andrew Belt, pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Marshfield, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Ecclesiastes 9:11-10:7. Solomon laments the reality under the sun that no outcome is assured. Those who are fastest don’t always win the race, and those are smart don’t always get rich. Wisdom conquers brute force, and yet wisdom doesn’t always receive its due recognition. Nonetheless, wisdom is to be preferred for this life under the sun. A little folly can ruin everything, because it leads in the wrong direction from the very beginning. “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 us as a gift.

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 Ecclesiastes 9:1-10. Solomon tells it like it is. In this life under the sun, man cannot see God’s purposes. On whatever end of the spectrum a person falls, he still dies. Those who are living have the advantage of reflecting on this reality and learning God’s wisdom for the days He gives. In that wisdom, those who fear God can have His joy in receiving their food, work, and family as a gift until they die. In Christ, the death that comes to everyone is not the end, for He raises us on the Last Day. “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

Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Ecclesiastes 8:10-17. Solomon sees that those who are evil die, even if they were praised in this life. The neglect of justice for evil leads to further evil, yet the fear of God always leads to that which truly lasts. Though righteousness may not receive an earthly reward, still God’s people can enjoy this life as His gift to them. His work cannot be found out under the sun, which calls for a life of faith in Jesus Christ. “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 us as a gift.