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 Joshua 13:1-33. Although there remains unconquered land in Canaan, the LORD instructs Joshua to divide the land among the people already. The LORD’s promise means that possession of the land is certain, for He will drive the Canaanites out in order to give His people their inheritance. Joshua first recounts the way that the land on the east side of the Jordan River has been allotted to Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh. “The Promised Land Delivered” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Joshua. After the death of Moses, the LORD remains with His people to bring them into the Promised Land under Joshua. Throughout the book, the LORD proves that not one of His Word falls unfulfilled. Today, the Church has the same confidence that all of God’s promises find their “Yes” in Christ.

Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church and School in Terra Bella, CA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 12:1-24. While a list of defeated kings may seem tedious to modern readers, this chapter serves as a reminder that the LORD is King of kings without rival or equal. Neither mighty Sihon nor gigantic Og stood a chance on the east side of the Jordan, and the kings on the west side of the Jordan River aren’t even named as the LORD lists His victories through Moses and Joshua. As the kings of Canaan fell before the LORD one by one, so our enemies sin, death, and the devil have fallen before our Lord Jesus Christ. As we hear of the LORD’s victories in Joshua 12, we are led to rejoice all the more in Jesus’ victory over our enemies for the sake of our eternal salvation. “The Promised Land Delivered” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Joshua. After the death of Moses, the LORD remains with His people to bring them into the Promised Land under Joshua. Throughout

Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 11:1-23. As the kings in northern Canaan hear of Israel’s victories elsewhere, they band together to fight against Israel in ways that are reminiscent of Egypt and in ways that look forward to the final battle of the enemies of God against the people of God. Yet the LORD is stronger than all His enemies; He is with Joshua and Israel to defeat their enemies with no trouble at all. As Israel finishes the conquest of northern Canaan, devoting to the LORD those things that He commands, the land begins to have rest from war, and the LORD gives the land to the people as an inheritance. This points us forward to the final rest and inheritance that is ours in Christ Jesus. “The Promised Land Delivered” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Joshua. After the death of Moses, the LORD remains with His people to bring them into the Promised Land under Joshua. Througho

Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 10:28-43. Joshua recounts the conquest of southern Canaan in rapid succession. He tells of the victories against several towns one after another as a reminder that the outcome of these battles was never in doubt. The people of Israel had the LORD’s promise that they would conquer the land, and there was no question that the LORD would make good on His promise. As they listened to His Word and faithfully carried it out, He gave the land into their hands. Even when the LORD’s Word seemed counterintuitive to human wisdom, the LORD’s Word always proved true. “The Promised Land Delivered” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Joshua. After the death of Moses, the LORD remains with His people to bring them into the Promised Land under Joshua. Throughout the book, the LORD proves that not one of His Word falls unfulfilled. Today, the Church has the same confidence that all of

Rev. Dr. Adam Filipek, pastor at Holy Cross and Immanuel Lutheran Churches in Lidgerwood, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 10:1-27. The pagan kings of Canaan consider Gibeon traitorous for making peace with Israel. These kings ally with each other and attack Gibeon. Joshua honors the treaty made with Gibeon and goes quickly to their aid with the LORD’s promise. As He has done in the past, so the LORD continues to fight for His people and gives the victory to Israel. He does so through the miraculous means of causing the sun to stand still, a reminder of the cosmic battle that the LORD wages for us against sin, death, and Satan. As the LORD provides for the complete conquest of the five Canaanite kings and their armies, He foreshadows His ultimate victory over His enemies and ours through Jesus’ death and resurrection. “The Promised Land Delivered” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Joshua. After the death of Moses, the LORD remains with His people to bring them

Rev. Mark Barz, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 9:1-27. The reaction to Israel’s conquest of Canaan is twofold. The majority of the people begin to ally with each other against Israel, but the people of Gibeon choose the path of cunning. They dress as if they are from a far country and make Israel an offer for peace. Israel questions the Gibeonites at length, but they fail to inquire of the LORD before making a covenant of peace. When the deception is revealed, Israel stays true to their oath made in the LORD’s name, but Joshua sentences the Gibeonites to a life of service to Israel. The Gibeonites receive this willingly with their lives spared. Through this strange account, the LORD reveals His mercy upon both Israel and Gibeon and reminds all people that trust in Him is never put to shame. “The Promised Land Delivered” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Joshua. After the death of Moses, the LORD remains

Rev. Isaac Schuller, pastor at First Immanuel Lutheran Church in San Jose, CA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 8:1-35. Now that Israel has faithfully dealt with Achan’s sin, the LORD instructs Joshua in the way he will defeat the city of Ai. As with Jericho, so in Ai the battle belongs to the LORD. Joshua leads the people in following the LORD’s battle plan, and the LORD delivers the city into their hands through a feigned retreat and a waiting ambush. After Ai’s defeat, Joshua leads the people of Israel in renewing the covenant on Mount Ebal, just as the LORD had instructed them to do through Moses. Even in the midst of the conquest of Canaan, the people are given the opportunity to worship and receive the LORD’s gifts. “The Promised Land Delivered” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Joshua. After the death of Moses, the LORD remains with His people to bring them into the Promised Land under Joshua. Throughout the book, the LORD proves that not one of His Word fal

Rev. Doug Griebenaw, mission advocate for KFUO Radio in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 7:1-26. After the victory at mighty Jericho, Israel foresees an easy conquest of little Ai. Unknown to Joshua and the rest of Israel, however, is the sin of Achan in taking some of the devoted things from Jericho. For that reason, Ai sends Israel packing on the first offensive. Joshua cries to the LORD in response, and the LORD reveals to Joshua what has happened and gives him the method by which the evil can be purged from Israel. Achan is quickly singled out as the sinner, and he makes confession. The people are faithful in bringing the punishment upon Achan prescribed by the LORD, a reminder of the deadly seriousness of sin. “The Promised Land Delivered” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Joshua. After the death of Moses, the LORD remains with His people to bring them into the Promised Land under Joshua. Throughout the book, the LORD proves that not one of His

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 6:1-27. The LORD’s battle plan against Jericho is not what a human general would have designed. The commander of the LORD’s army instructs Joshua that the people are to march around Jericho once a day for six consecutive days. The LORD is their leader through the ark of the covenant. On the seventh day, the people are to march around the city seven times and only after that are they to shout. Joshua leads the people in following the LORD’s instructions exactly, and the LORD is faithful in giving the mighty city into the hands of His people. They devote everything to destruction, but Rahab is spared according to the promise made to her by the spies. Even as the LORD shows His justice in destroying the idolaters of Jericho, Rahab stands as an example of the LORD’s faithfulness to save. “The Promised Land Delivered” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Joshua. After the de

Rev. Dan Speckhard, pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church and School in North Judson, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 5:1-15. Before the people begin to take the Promised Land, the LORD serves them with His covenant gifts. Circumcision was the sign of the covenant God had made with Abraham, but the men born in the wilderness had not yet received it. God provides for them to pause at Gilgal in order to receive this gift and so roll away the reproach that the people had known. After the men have healed, the LORD provides for His people to celebrate the first Passover in the Promised Land. Now that they have received the fullness of the fruits of the land, the gift of manna is no longer needed. The commander of the LORD’s army then appears to Joshua; this is the pre-incarnate Son of God who assures Joshua that He is with the people of Israel as they prepare to conquer the land. The pattern given by the LORD to His people Israel here corresponds to the way God is still present among us with His

Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 4:1-24. The account of Israel’s crossing the Jordan continues to reveal more details. The LORD commands Joshua to take twelve stones from the Jordan River bed in order to build a memorial monument so that their children can be taught what the LORD had done. Joshua carries out the LORD’s instructions faithfully and also builds a monument within the river itself. The people cross the river in haste, including the warriors from the two and a half tribes whose land would be on the east side of the Jordan. Once all the people have crossed, the priests carrying the ark leave the river, and the water returns to its place. The memory of this event will serve to teach not only the children of Israel but all nations the might of the LORD to save. “The Promised Land Delivered” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Joshua. After the death of Moses, the LORD rem

Rev. Clint Poppe, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 3:1-17. The moment has finally come for Israel to enter the Promised Land. As Moses had once led the people through the Red Sea on dry ground, so now Joshua will lead the people through the Jordan River. The LORD provides for the ark of the covenant to lead the way so that people will recognize that God Himself goes before them. He is the living God who will drive out the pagan nations from the Promised Land. Joshua instructs the people faithfully, and they follow the LORD’s Word faithfully. When the priests bearing the ark set foot in the flooded Jordan River, the LORD causes the water to stop flowing downstream so that His people can enter into the Promised Land. “The Promised Land Delivered” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Joshua. After the death of Moses, the LORD remains with His people to bring them into the Promised Land under Joshua. Throughout the b

Rev. Timothy Sandeno, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Gorham, ME, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 2:1-24. Joshua had previously been among twelve spies sent into the Promised Land by Moses, but the ten unfaithful spies led the people into ruin. Forty years later, Joshua sends only two spies to Jericho to view the land. They find refuge in the house of Rahab, a prostitute who has been brought to faith in the true God. She intercedes on behalf of her family and seeks refuge for them all among the people of God. The spies indicate that a scarlet cord will be the sign by which Rahab and her family will mark their home and so be safe from destruction. Rahab serves as an example of faith, and the entire account points to Jesus as the One in whom we take refuge from death. “The Promised Land Delivered” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Joshua. After the death of Moses, the LORD remains with His people to bring them into the Promised Land under Joshua. Throughout th

Rev. Adolph Harstad, Professor of Exegetical Theology at Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary in Mankato, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 1:1-18. The book of Joshua picks up right where the book of Deuteronomy ended. Moses has died. That means that it is time for Israel to enter the Promised Land. As Joshua assumes leadership of Israel for that very task, the LORD reassures Joshua with His promise to go before His servant. This promise gives Joshua courage and strength for the days ahead. As Joshua begins to prepare the people for their entry into the Promised Land, they respond faithfully to the LORD’s Word and encourage Joshua in his God-given role as their leader. “The Promised Land Delivered” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Joshua. After the death of Moses, the LORD remains with His people to bring them into the Promised Land under Joshua. Throughout the book, the LORD proves that not one of His Word falls unfulfilled. Today, the Church has the same con

“The Promised Land Delivered” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Joshua. After the death of Moses, the LORD remains with His people to bring them into the Promised Land under Joshua. Throughout the book, the LORD proves that not one of His Word falls unfulfilled. Today, the Church has the same confidence that all of God’s promises find their “Yes” in 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. 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. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 34:1-12. What Moses has known would happen finally comes. The LORD sends Moses up Mount Nebo where He shows His faithful prophet the entirety of the Promised Land. The LORD reminds Moses that he will not enter the land due to his unfaithfulness, yet the LORD reminds Moses that He is keeping the promise He made to Abraham. This comforts Moses to know that the LORD will keep His promise to give Moses eternal life. The LORD had preserved Moses for 120 years of earthly life, and the people of Israel appropriately mourn his death. As the LORD now will use Joshua to lead Israel, still Moses’ status as a faithful prophet remained unmatched–until the promised Prophet of Deuteronomy 18 arrived, Jesus Christ. “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 influent

Rev. Matt Wietfeldt, Vice President of Admission and director of the Christ Academy program at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 33:18-29. Moses concludes his blessing of the tribes of Israel one at a time, each revealing something about the particular tribe and the way that God shows His love to all of Israel. The conclusion of Moses’ blessing reminds Israel that only the LORD is God; He is their eternal dwelling place. They are a blessed people, not because of their own strength or might, but because they are a people saved by the LORD. “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 as we prepare to en

Rev. Bernie Schey, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Old Dime Box, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 33:1-17. As Jacob had blessed his twelve sons before he died, now Moses blesses the twelve tribes of Israel before he dies. In his blessing, Moses shows his fatherly care for the nation that he has led for forty years. The blessing begins with a reminder of the LORD’s love for Israel shown from Sinai onward. As Moses begins to work his way from one tribe to the next, he blesses them appropriately both concerning their history and coming inheritance. Each blessing points forward to the blessing that is ours in Christ Jesus. “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

Rev. Ned Moerbe, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blackwell, OK, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 32:39-52. Moses finishes the song given by the LORD with a grand climax. The LORD alone is God with all authority either to kill or to make alive; He intends that His alien work leads to His proper work. All that He does brings great joy to His people. After Moses finishes the song, he commends it into the hearts of the people, for it is God’s Word that gives life. The LORD then tells Moses that he is about to go up Mount Nebo, where he will see the Promised Land before he dies. “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 as we prepare to enter the

Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 32:19-38. Moses continues to give the song commanded by the LORD to the people of Israel. The idols they worship are not actually gods at all; when the LORD provokes His people and makes them jealous, He does so in order to call them back to Himself. The wrath and judgment that He pours out upon His people is intended to show His people that their false gods can do nothing to save; only the LORD is the true rock of salvation. He brings that salvation finally to His people by taking all of the wrath and punishment that sin deserves upon Himself in the person and work of Jesus Christ. “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