Rev. Dr. Thomas Egger, president of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 15:1-21.

Jeremiah preaches in one of the most painful times in the history of Israel. The LORD tells Jeremiah that even if the greatest intercessors from the past were to pray for His people, still He would not relent. The sins of Manasseh were the tipping point, and His people have had no lasting repentance. Judgment and destruction will come; the LORD has wearied of relenting. Jeremiah cries out in anguish. On the one hand, the LORD’s Word has been to him a joy, and yet the prophet has suffered mightily for his faithful preaching. He wonders if God will be true to His promises. The LORD calls Jeremiah to remain in repentance and faith, and He strengthens His prophet in the call He gave to him. This chapter calls all to repentance and faith in Jesus before the Last Day comes, because Jesus is the One who receives God’s wrath in our place and who stands before the Father to plead for us.

“A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Jeremiah. The prophet calls the people of Judah and Jerusalem to repent of their faithless idolatry and warns them of the destruction that is coming in the Babylonian exile. Yet Jeremiah does not leave us without hope in the midst of such dark days. Jeremiah and all who believe the Word of God he preached survive because of hope that is found in the righteous Branch from the line of David, Jesus Christ.

Rev. Andrew Jagow, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 14:1-22.

Jeremiah preaches to the people of Judah in the midst of a horrific drought. Droughts were common in the history of Israel. Theologically, a drought was one of the covenant curses from Deuteronomy 28, by which the LORD intended to call His people to repentance. In response to the drought, Jeremiah offered a prayer of confession on behalf of the people of Judah, calling upon God to deliver them as their Savior. The LORD’s response reminded Jeremiah of the utter unfaithfulness of His people, promising that they would be punished. Jeremiah also prayed concerning the false prophets in Judah. The LORD condemns them for their lies by which they have led the people astray. Jeremiah again prays in confession to the LORD, calling upon Him to be true to His promises.

“A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Jeremiah. The prophet calls the people of Judah and Jerusalem to repent of their faithless idolatry and warns them of the destruction that is coming in the Babylonian exile. Yet Jeremiah does not leave us without hope in the midst of such dark days. Jeremiah and all who believe the Word of God he preached survive because of hope that is found in the righteous Branch from the line of David, Jesus Christ.

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, goes “Back to the Forge” with host Rev. Timothy Appel to answer listener email concerning false teaching.

What is decision theology, and why is it contrary to the true teaching from God’s Word concerning salvation by grace through faith in Christ? What should you do if you think your pastor is preaching falsely? What is the difference between heresy and heterodoxy? What helpful distinction does Dr. Francis Pieper make concerning heterodox church bodies? Why is the holding to true doctrine so important? Spend some time in God’s Word to sharpen your faith in the life-giving truth of Jesus Christ.

Do you have a question, topic, or guest you’d like to hear on Back to the Forge? Send an email to [email protected] and let us know!

Rev. Dr. Jeff Pulse, the Dr. Dean O. Wenthe professor of Old Testament Theology, director of certification and placement, and director of continuing education at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 13:15-27.

The people of Judah and Jerusalem must do what they have not yet done; they must listen to the LORD’s Word. If they do not forsake their pride and give Him glory, He will turn their light into darkness. Jeremiah mourns for the destruction of his people, particularly the exile that happened in 597 BC that took King Jehoiachin and his mother into exile in Babylon. From that exile, Jeremiah points forward to the final destruction of Jerusalem. The LORD will expose the shame of His people, for He has seen their abominations. They are helpless to save themselves, but if they will turn to the LORD in repentance, they will see the truth that Jesus makes plain. The salvation that is impossible for man is possible for God.

“A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Jeremiah. The prophet calls the people of Judah and Jerusalem to repent of their faithless idolatry and warns them of the destruction that is coming in the Babylonian exile. Yet Jeremiah does not leave us without hope in the midst of such dark days. Jeremiah and all who believe the Word of God he preached survive because of hope that is found in the righteous Branch from the line of David, Jesus Christ.

Rev. Tim Koch, pastor at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank, SD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 13:1-14.

The LORD gives Jeremiah an enacted prophecy through the prophet’s purchase of a linen loincloth. At the LORD’s command, Jeremiah noticeably wears it for a time in front of the people of Judah before burying it for a time. When the LORD tells Jeremiah to take his loincloth again after many days, the loincloth is completely ruined. The LORD then tells Jeremiah how to preach this reality. The pride of Judah and Jerusalem, the temple, will be ruined and taken away beyond the Euphrates River. Although the LORD had made His people to cling to Him as a loincloth clings to a person, Judah had already spoiled themselves by their idolatry. As jars are filled with wine, the LORD would fill them with drunkenness. Jesus is the Savior who drinks the cup of God’s wrath in place of His people in order to restore them from their idolatrous ruin.

“A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Jeremiah. The prophet calls the people of Judah and Jerusalem to repent of their faithless idolatry and warns them of the destruction that is coming in the Babylonian exile. Yet Jeremiah does not leave us without hope in the midst of such dark days. Jeremiah and all who believe the Word of God he preached survive because of hope that is found in the righteous Branch from the line of David, Jesus Christ.

Rev. Mark Squire, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 12:1-17.

Jeremiah picks up the common lament of the Scriptures: why do the wicked prosper? Jeremiah wonders why he suffers affliction and persecution while the wicked grow and thrive under the LORD, and so the prophet prays for justice against them. The LORD does not condemn Jeremiah’s plea as whining, nor does He answer in a way that we might expect. Instead, the LORD tells Jeremiah the affliction will only grow and steels the prophet for the task. The LORD will give His people over to their enemies, yet He still calls them “My people.” He promises that He will yet have compassion on His people and on all nations who turn to Him in faith.

“A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Jeremiah. The prophet calls the people of Judah and Jerusalem to repent of their faithless idolatry and warns them of the destruction that is coming in the Babylonian exile. Yet Jeremiah does not leave us without hope in the midst of such dark days. Jeremiah and all who believe the Word of God he preached survive because of hope that is found in the righteous Branch from the line of David, Jesus Christ.

Rev. Bart Day, president and CEO of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 11:1-23. Learn more about LCEF at lcef.org.

Jeremiah preaches that the people of Judah and Jerusalem have failed to listen to the words of the covenant that the LORD made with them. By worshiping idols, they have forsaken the freedom that was theirs in having the LORD as their God. The LORD had persistently called His people to repent, but one generation after another refused, conspiring together in their blatant idolatry. Therefore, the LORD promises judgment, refusing to listen to His people’s prayers, commanding Jeremiah not to pray for the people, and promising disaster against the people. The LORD reveals to Jeremiah that the people of his own hometown, Anathoth, are plotting against the prophet’s life. Jeremiah commends himself and vengeance into the hands of the LORD. In the full context of Jeremiah and all of God’s Word, the LORD gives us hope by grafting us dead branches into Jesus Christ, the Living Vine.

“A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Jeremiah. The prophet calls the people of Judah and Jerusalem to repent of their faithless idolatry and warns them of the destruction that is coming in the Babylonian exile. Yet Jeremiah does not leave us without hope in the midst of such dark days. Jeremiah and all who believe the Word of God he preached survive because of hope that is found in the righteous Branch from the line of David, Jesus Christ.

Rev. Hans Fiene, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Crestwood, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 10:1-25.

God mocks idolatry in order to show His people that the nations and their gods do not need to be feared. Idols are only human creations; they are as lifeless as scarecrows that can do absolutely nothing. In complete contrast, the LORD is the one true God and King over every nation and all creation. He alone is to be feared as the One who created and sustains all things by His power, wisdom, and understanding. Yet He is not simply a God “up there.” By His promise, the LORD is the portion of His people. Because Judah refuses to repent of her idolatry, however, the LORD will send them into exile in Babylon. As the people lament their destruction, so the LORD laments the necessity of bringing such calamity upon His people. Jeremiah prays that the Babylonian exile will have the desired effect of bringing the people to repentance and faith in the LORD. He is the One who ultimately bears our sin and affliction in the person and work of Jesus Christ, true God in our humanity.

“A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Jeremiah. The prophet calls the people of Judah and Jerusalem to repent of their faithless idolatry and warns them of the destruction that is coming in the Babylonian exile. Yet Jeremiah does not leave us without hope in the midst of such dark days. Jeremiah and all who believe the Word of God he preached survive because of hope that is found in the righteous Branch from the line of David, Jesus Christ.

Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 9:17-26.

The destruction coming upon Jerusalem is so great that professional mourners will be needed. The people of Judah will be cast from the Promised Land as the LORD’s judgment against them. Death will strike every household as the LORD once struck against the firstborn of Egypt. Yet the LORD calls His people back to true wisdom, might, and wealth. These are not found in the people themselves or in any foreign nation, but in the steadfast love, justice, and righteousness given by the LORD. He is not looking for only outward circumcision from Judah or any nation, but for circumcision of the heart that results in true faith in the LORD.

“A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Jeremiah. The prophet calls the people of Judah and Jerusalem to repent of their faithless idolatry and warns them of the destruction that is coming in the Babylonian exile. Yet Jeremiah does not leave us without hope in the midst of such dark days. Jeremiah and all who believe the Word of God he preached survive because of hope that is found in the righteous Branch from the line of David, Jesus Christ.

Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, assistant professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 8:18-9:16.

Jeremiah laments the destruction that he knows is coming upon his fellow Israelites; he longs for healing from the LORD who seems absent from His people. Yet Jeremiah also laments the people’s idolatry and accompanying wickedness that is bringing the LORD’s wrath upon them. The falsehood that the people are believing and preaching concerning the LORD has led to falsehood among the people’s dealings with each other; one sin builds upon another. The devastations in the created world reflect the divine judgment that is coming. Yet the LORD’s promise to refine and test His people does reflect an element of hope that the LORD will give His people true repentance and faith through their fiery trial.

“A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Jeremiah. The prophet calls the people of Judah and Jerusalem to repent of their faithless idolatry and warns them of the destruction that is coming in the Babylonian exile. Yet Jeremiah does not leave us without hope in the midst of such dark days. Jeremiah and all who believe the Word of God he preached survive because of hope that is found in the righteous Branch from the line of David, Jesus Christ.