The LORD called Hosea to preach to the northern kingdom, Israel, during times that were prosperous economically but horrific theologically. The first part of Hosea’s book centers on the LORD’s command for Hosea to marry a wife of whoredom, Gomer. Through Hosea’s marriage, the LORD provides a living sermon of the relationship between Himself and Israel. The names given to the three children of Hosea and Gomer all initially preach against the idolatry of Israel, and yet, the LORD will later turn the meanings of these names on their head to give His Gospel promises of His faithfulness.

Rev. Sam Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Hosea 1:1-11.

To learn more about Bethlehem Lutheran, visit bethlehemossian.org.

“Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorter, the Word of God they preached was important in the years leading up to the coming of the Christ, and that Word remains important for the Church today. Just as we still need to listen to their call to repentance over our idolatry, so we still need to heed their call to trust in the Savior, Jesus.

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. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]

“Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorter, the Word of God they preached was important in the years leading up to the coming of the Christ, and that Word remains important for the Church today. Just as we still need to listen to their call to repentance over our idolatry, so we still need to heed their call to trust in the Savior, Jesus.

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. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]

As the Psalter draws to a close with a grand Hallelujah Chorus, Psalm 148 calls upon all creation to join together to praise the LORD. The praise starts with the heavens and the heavenly creatures. These are not to be worshiped, but rather, they join together in worship to the Creator who continues to sustain them by His Word. The praise of the LORD continues on the earth among all earthly creatures, as they live according to the way He has made them to live. As the high and exalted one true God, the LORD acts in strength for the sake of salvation for all His people and all His creation. He has accomplished this through Jesus Christ.

Rev. Matt Ulmer, pastor at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church--Friedheim, just outside Decatur, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 148.

To learn more about Zion Lutheran, visit zionfriedheim.org.

Join Sharper Iron this summer to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus 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. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]