(Enjoy some favorite previous Sharper Iron episodes as Pastor Appel moves to a new call. A new series for Advent begins November 28!) Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cullman, AL joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Philippians 4:6-20. The church at Philippi had seen the Apostle Paul go through highs and lows during his ministry. As he writes his letter to them from prison, he proclaims to them the joy that remains theirs in Christ regardless of their circumstances. B...
Nov 24, 2022•53 min
(Enjoy some favorite previous Sharper Iron episodes as Pastor Appel moves to a new call. A new series for Advent begins November 28!) Rev. Harrison Goodman, pastor at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 8:1-10. Before the LORD brings Israel into the Promised Land, Moses invites the people to reflect upon the goodness of the LORD’s commandments. This is no romanticized memory; rather, they recall the dirty details of their wilderness ...
Nov 23, 2022•54 min
(Enjoy some favorite previous Sharper Iron episodes as Pastor Appel moves to a new call. A new series for Advent begins November 28!) Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, associate pastor and headmaster at Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 28:1-28. Though unbelievers face the world with fear, Christians have boldness because their confidence is in Christ. Such confidence in Christ allows us to reflect honestly upon what the Proverbs reveal concerning our live...
Nov 22, 2022•53 min
(Enjoy some favorite previous Sharper Iron episodes as Pastor Appel moves to a new call. A new series for Advent begins November 28!) Rev. Andrew Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Haven, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 145. The structure of Psalm 145 as an acrostic poem serves to underline the complete nature of God’s reign as King over all. His Kingdom is eternal, calling forth praise from all people. Doxology and doctrine go hand-in-hand as one generation tells t...
Nov 21, 2022•55 min
(Enjoy some favorite previous Sharper Iron episodes as Pastor Appel moves to a new call. A new series for Advent begins November 28!) Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 17:7-24. Solomon continues to teach the benefit of the way of divine wisdom in contrast to the harm that comes from following the way of folly. The mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. Each of us must examine, then, both what we speak and wha...
Nov 18, 2022•55 min
(Enjoy some favorite previous Sharper Iron episodes as Pastor Appel moves to a new call. A new series for Advent begins November 28!) Rev. David Vandercook, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in North Little Rock, AR and Shepherd of Peace Lutheran Church in Maumelle, AR, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 105. Psalm 105 calls upon God’s people to praise Him for His grace shown to them throughout their history. The psalmist traces all that the LORD has done for His people starting with t...
Nov 17, 2022•55 min
(Enjoy some favorite previous Sharper Iron episodes as Pastor Appel moves to a new call. A new series for Advent begins November 28!) Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 16:25-17:6. Solomon repeats a previous proverb as he warns against following after whatever seems right in human sight. Only when our thoughts are shaped by the LORD in His Word can we walk the way of life. When a man’s heart is worthless or dish...
Nov 16, 2022•55 min
(Enjoy some favorite previous Sharper Iron episodes as Pastor Appel moves to a new call. A new series for Advent begins November 28!) Rev. Chris Hull, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Tomball, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 96. The Church’s song is always new because the Church sings of the saving works that God has done in bringing about His new creation. Though the world sings a loud song for its idols, this song can offer nothing but emptiness. The Church’s song cuts throug...
Nov 15, 2022•55 min
(Enjoy some favorite previous Sharper Iron episodes as Pastor Appel moves to a new call. A new series for Advent begins November 28!) Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 14:1-35. Solomon continues to write concerning the wisdom founded on the fear of the LORD. This basis is a necessary lens through which to see each individual proverb. The wisdom by which anyone builds a lasting household is more than economic or so...
Nov 14, 2022•56 min
Rev. Jason Kaspar, pastor at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in La Grange, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 24:16-33. The people respond to Joshua’s charge by promising their faithfulness, which is the right response. Joshua reminds them that such faithfulness is only possible through the LORD’s faithfulness to them; Israel must not place their hope in their own willpower. Joshua says that Israel’s answer will be a witness against them, and he sets up a stone as a witness as well. I...
Nov 11, 2022•56 min
Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 24:1-15. Joshua gives his final farewell address to Israel at Shechem, a key location in the history of God’s promise to Abraham. There, Joshua reminds the people of the way God called Abraham out of his idolatry and made him the promise of many offspring. The LORD fulfilled that promise to Abraham, even when Jacob and his children went to Egypt. The LORD sent Moses and Aaron to res...
Nov 10, 2022•56 min
Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 23:1-16. After some time has passed, Joshua is old and advanced in years, and he knows that his death will be coming soon. He reminds Israel of all that God has done for them in giving them the Promised Land and driving out the idolaters from Canaan. He encourages Israel to be faithful to the Word of the LORD and to avoid mixing with the remaining Canaanites, lest they lead Israe...
Nov 09, 2022•54 min
Rev. Vance Becker, LCMS missionary to Kenya , serving as a theological educator at Neema Lutheran College in Matongo, Kenya, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 22:1-34. Learn more about Rev. Becker and how to support his work in Kenya at lcms.org/becker . Now that the land has rest, it is time for the eastern tribes to go home. Joshua sends them back across the Jordan River with compliments for their faithfulness, encouragement for continued faithfulness, and his blessing from the LOR...
Nov 08, 2022•55 min
Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 21:1-45. The LORD did not forget about the Levites in the distribution of land. He scatters them throughout the land of Israel in forty-eight different cities so that they might live among all the tribes of Israel. There they will serve the proclamation of the Gospel through the sacrifices that point forward to Jesus. They live by faith in the promises of God, knowing that He will ...
Nov 07, 2022•55 min
Rev. Joel Heckmann, pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Okarche, OK, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 19:32-20:9. Naphtali and Dan are the last tribes of Israel to receive their inheritance in the Promised Land. Joshua, the faithful spy, receives his inheritance just as Caleb had previously; both men stand as examples of patience and faith in God’s promises. After the division of land is finished, the LORD tells Joshua to establish the three cities of refuge on the western side ...
Nov 04, 2022•55 min
Rev. Nate Hill, pastor at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Winchester, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 19:1-31. The tribes of Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, and Asher are next in line to receive their inheritance within the Promised Land. Even though they do not receive their inheritance first, the fact that they are in the Promised Land in fulfillment of God’s Word is better than even having the best land elsewhere. A variety of places within these four tribes are important elsewh...
Nov 03, 2022•55 min
Rev. Sam Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 18:1-28. A change in location to Shiloh and mention of the tent of meeting serve as reminders that the LORD is giving Canaan to His people in order to dwell among them. Joshua encourages the seven tribes who have not yet received their inheritance to trust in the LORD’s promises and take possession of His gift. Joshua sends surveyors out into the land to describe it to him before it ...
Nov 02, 2022•54 min
Rev. Matt Ulmer, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bishop, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 16:1-17:18. The two tribes of Joseph receive their allotment next. Because Jacob adopted Joseph’s two sons as his own, Joseph receives a double inheritance in Israel. Ephraim, the younger, receives the inheritance ahead of his older brother, Manasseh, as a reminder that God chooses according to His own will and not according to human wisdom. The fact that both Ephraim and Manasseh fai...
Nov 01, 2022•55 min
Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, pastor and evangelist at Trinity Lutheran Church in Denver, CO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 15:13-63. The allotment to Judah continues with a beautiful account of Caleb and his daughter Achsah and his son-in-law Othniel. These faithful saints serve as examples of courage in God’s promises and boldness in prayer. As Caleb gave generously to his daughter and son-in-law, so God gives lavishly to His children. The people of Judah receive extensive consideratio...
Oct 31, 2022•55 min
Rev. Sam Beltz, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Oskaloosa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joshua 14:1-15:12. As Joshua begins to allot the land on the west side of the Jordan River, Caleb receives his inheritance first. The faithful spy lived by faith in the promises of the LORD throughout his eighty-five years. The LORD brought Caleb out of slavery in Egypt, sustained Caleb during the wilderness wandering, and now is bringing Caleb into the Promised Land. Caleb’s patience and ...
Oct 28, 2022•56 min
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...
Oct 27, 2022•55 min
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...
Oct 26, 2022•55 min
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 troub...
Oct 25, 2022•56 min
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 Hi...
Oct 24, 2022•56 min
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 t...
Oct 21, 2022•54 min
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...
Oct 20, 2022•54 min
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 lea...
Oct 19, 2022•55 min
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...
Oct 18, 2022•55 min
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...
Oct 17, 2022•56 min
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. Afte...
Oct 14, 2022•55 min
