Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee’s Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 18:1-14. Moses teaches Israel how to care for the Levites and priests. The Levites and priests have no inheritance of land among the people; the LORD is their inheritance. The people of Israel provide for the physical needs of these servants of the LORD through the offering of their firstfruits. Moses transitions to speaking about the office of prophet in Israel by exposing various abominations among the Canaanites who will be displaced from the Promised Land. If Israel follows in the way of such abominations, they will be driven out themselves. Instead, Israel must listen to the LORD’s Word alone for their instruction.’ “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 I

Rev. Matt Ulmer, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bishop, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 17:8-20. The LORD’s concern for justice continues as He teaches His people how to handle difficult legal decisions. They must go to the place that the LORD will choose for the priests and judge to decide the matter based on the LORD’s Word. Because justice is tied to the LORD’s Word, the verdict must be followed exactly, lest anyone depart from the justice that God commands in His Word. The theme of justice continues into Moses’ description of one of the three primary offices among the Israelites: the king. Though the LORD is their King, Moses speaks prophetically about the time to come when the LORD will allow a human king among His people. The king will only be successful in the sight of the LORD if the king is faithful to the LORD’s Word. Even the best of the Old Testament kings never fully live up to the description; Jesus Christ is the fulfillment. “The Law of God is Good and Wise

Rev. Joel Heckmann, pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Okarche, OK, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 16:18-17:7. The LORD tells His people of the importance of justice, which is found in His Word. Judges and officers in Israel must pursue such justice without partiality or desire for a bribe. Because justice is bound up in the LORD’s Word, idolatry perverts justice. Therefore, the people must not engage in the idolatrous practices of the Canaanites nor think that they can sacrifice however they want. Whenever idolatry is found among the people of Israel, careful investigation must take place so that any idolatry can be purged from their midst. The death penalty prescribed is a reminder of the seriousness of idolatry and all sin. The LORD shows mercy and justice to us by placing our sin upon His Son Jesus and putting Him to death in our place. “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

Rev. Doug Griebenaw, mission advocate for KFUO Radio in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 16:1-17. Moses gives the LORD’s instructions for the three feasts when all Israel was to gather at the place where the LORD would choose. Even as they were spread throughout the Promised Land, the LORD provided for Israel to join together as His people to celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Booths. The Feast of Unleavened Bread, or the Passover, recalled the LORD’s rescue from Egypt. The Feast of Weeks was a celebration of the first fruits as an opportunity to show thanks and faith in the LORD. The Feast of Booths recalled the LORD’s provision for His people in their wandering and His continued care for them in the Promised Land. “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 read

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