Thy Strong Word From Kfuo Radio

Through Hosea, God speaks tenderly to Israel, promising restoration and renewed relationship after a period of judgment. He vows to lead them into the wilderness and transform their sorrow into hope, offering forgiveness and a fresh covenant, pointing forward to Jesus. Ultimately, the faithfulness of Israel—meaning all of God’s people, will be restored, and they will call God their husband, no longer chasing after false idols. This renewal reflects God's unwavering love, as symbolized by Hosea's reconciliation with his unfaithful wife, Gomer.  The Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Hosea 2:15-3:5. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/wrestlingwiththebasics.  Hosea tells the powerful story of a prophet commanded to marry an unfaithful woman, Gomer, as a living symbol of God’s boundless love for Israel despite its repeated betrayals. Through heartbreak and redemption, Hosea’s marriage becomes a vivid portrayal of how deeply G

God speaks through the prophet Hosea, addressing Israel’s unfaithfulness in vivid imagery. He likens the nation to an unfaithful wife, chasing after false gods and forgetting the covenant with Him. Despite the people's betrayal, God warns of coming judgment, stripping away their prosperity and exposing their shame. Yet, underlying the harsh words is a call for repentance, as God desires to restore His people from their waywardness.  The Rev. Rick Jones, Chaplain and Vice President of Spiritual Life at the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Hosea 2:1-13.  Hosea tells the powerful story of a prophet commanded to marry an unfaithful woman, Gomer, as a living symbol of God’s boundless love for Israel despite its repeated betrayals. Through heartbreak and redemption, Hosea’s marriage becomes a vivid portrayal of how deeply God desires His people to return to Him, even when they chase after idols. Packed with raw emotion, prophetic warnings, and a message of divine mercy, t

Get ready for the debut of "Headlines,” a fun and thought-provoking twist for Free-Text First Fridays. In this episode, the guest pastor faces the challenge of guessing which headline is real and which ones are the host's creations. Each round sparks deeper conversations about pressing issues in today's news and how the Bible offers guidance on them. This episode’s topics include environmentalism, mental health, artificial intelligence, and extraterrestrial life.  The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to play the headlines quiz and discuss the news from a biblical perspective.   The real articles featured in this episode:  https://www.euronews.com/green/2023/02/16/baby-kangaroo-poo-could-be-the-secret-to-stopping-cows-methane-farts-researchers-say  https://www.npr.org/2024/01/31/1228145269/elmo-therapist-asking-how-is-everybody-doing  https://www.indy100.com/science-tech/bronx-pregnant-ai-replika-app  https://www.newsweek.com

Hosea opens with the prophet being commanded by God to marry Gomer, a promiscuous woman, as a living symbol of Israel’s unfaithfulness. Their children are given prophetic names that reflect God’s judgment—signifying the broken relationship between God and His people. Yet even amid these harsh warnings of destruction and rejection, God hints at future restoration, promising that Israel will one day be called His people again.  The Rev. Dr. David Lewis, associate professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Seminary, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Hosea 1.  Hosea tells the powerful story of a prophet commanded to marry an unfaithful woman, Gomer, as a living symbol of God’s boundless love for Israel despite its repeated betrayals. Through heartbreak and redemption, Hosea’s marriage becomes a vivid portrayal of how deeply God desires His people to return to Him, even when they chase after idols. Packed with raw emotion, prophetic warnings, and a message of divine mercy, this book captures God’s rel

Hosea tells the powerful story of a prophet commanded to marry an unfaithful woman, Gomer, as a living symbol of God’s boundless love for Israel despite its repeated betrayals. Through heartbreak and redemption, Hosea’s marriage becomes a vivid portrayal of how deeply God desires His people to return to Him, even when they chase after idols. Packed with raw emotion, prophetic warnings, and a message of divine mercy, this book captures God’s relentless pursuit and offers a stirring reminder that restoration is always possible—through Jesus—no matter how far one has wandered.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or quest

A final, powerful vision of judgment and restoration unfolds as Amos reveals the fate of Israel. The message is clear: God's wrath is unavoidable, with no place for the guilty to hide. Yet, amid the destruction, a promise of hope emerges: the fallen house of David will be restored, and a time of abundance and peace will return. Amos’s prophecy ends with a striking blend of divine justice and mercy.  The Rev. Roger Mullet, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Buffalo, WY, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Amos 9.  Amos, a simple shepherd and fig tree farmer from Tekoa, was called by God to deliver a powerful message to Israel—a nation steeped in corruption, injustice, and complacency. Unlike the professional prophets of his time, Amos was an outsider, chosen to proclaim a divine warning against the moral decay and social inequalities that plagued the northern kingdom. Through vivid imagery and uncompromising language, Amos called out the wealthy elite for their exploitation of the poor, conde

The prophet Amos delivers a powerful vision of Israel's impending doom, symbolized by a basket of ripe fruit signifying that the nation's end is near. God declares that He will no longer overlook Israel's injustices, predicting a time of dark mourning and spiritual famine, where people will search in vain for His word.  The Rev. James Helms, Jr., pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Greenbelt, MD, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Amos 8.  Amos, a simple shepherd and fig tree farmer from Tekoa, was called by God to deliver a powerful message to Israel—a nation steeped in corruption, injustice, and complacency. Unlike the professional prophets of his time, Amos was an outsider, chosen to proclaim a divine warning against the moral decay and social inequalities that plagued the northern kingdom. Through vivid imagery and uncompromising language, Amos called out the wealthy elite for their exploitation of the poor, condemned the nation's empty religious practices, and foretold the impending judgment

The prophet receives visions of judgment—locusts, fire, and a plumb line—each symbolizing God's impending punishment on Israel. While Amos intercedes and God relents twice, the plumb line vision marks the point of no return. When Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, tries to silence Amos, he boldly declares God's judgment on Israel and Amaziah's household, affirming his divine calling and the inevitability of Israel's downfall due to their persistent sin.  The Rev. Dan Eddy, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Beloit, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Amos 6.  Amos, a simple shepherd and fig tree farmer from Tekoa, was called by God to deliver a powerful message to Israel—a nation steeped in corruption, injustice, and complacency. Unlike the professional prophets of his time, Amos was an outsider, chosen to proclaim a divine warning against the moral decay and social inequalities that plagued the northern kingdom. Through vivid imagery and uncompromising language, Amos called out the wealthy elite fo

A powerful warning is issued to those who live in comfort and luxury while neglecting the suffering around them. Amos condemns the complacency of Israel's leaders, who bask in their wealth and security, ignoring the looming judgment. This chapter highlights the coming devastation as a consequence of their arrogance and the nation's moral decay. The message is clear: no amount of earthly power or privilege can shield one from divine justice.  The Rev. Matthew Tassey, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Shawnee, OK, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Amos 6.  Amos, a simple shepherd and fig tree farmer from Tekoa, was called by God to deliver a powerful message to Israel—a nation steeped in corruption, injustice, and complacency. Unlike the professional prophets of his time, Amos was an outsider, chosen to proclaim a divine warning against the moral decay and social inequalities that plagued the northern kingdom. Through vivid imagery and uncompromising language, Amos called out the wealthy elite for

Amos challenges the complacency of those who mistakenly believe that the Day of the Lord will bring them victory over their enemies. Instead, he warns of impending darkness and judgment due to their hypocrisy. Despite their religious festivals and offerings, God rejects their empty rituals because they neglect justice and righteousness. Amos urges the people to let justice flow like a mighty river, highlighting the futility of their false worship. This encourages us to reflect on our own worship to ensure we live out our faith in sincerity.   The Rev. Steven Cholak, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in Houston, TX, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Amos 5:18-27.  Amos, a simple shepherd and fig tree farmer from Tekoa, was called by God to deliver a powerful message to Israel—a nation steeped in corruption, injustice, and complacency. Unlike the professional prophets of his time, Amos was an outsider, chosen to proclaim a divine warning against the moral decay and social inequalities th

The prophet Amos delivers a stern warning to Israel in Amos 5, urging the people to seek the Lord and live, rather than continuing in their hollow rituals and unjust ways. Through vivid imagery and powerful indictments, Amos calls out the nation's corruption, idolatry, and complacency, warning that divine judgment is imminent unless true repentance is sought. This chapter challenges us to reflect on the authenticity of our own faith and the righteousness of our actions, as we are reminded that God's justice will not be compromised.  Amos, a simple shepherd and fig tree farmer from Tekoa, was called by God to deliver a powerful message to Israel—a nation steeped in corruption, injustice, and complacency. Unlike the professional prophets of his time, Amos was an outsider, chosen to proclaim a divine warning against the moral decay and social inequalities that plagued the northern kingdom. Through vivid imagery and uncompromising language, Amos called out the wealthy elite for their exploitation of the poor,

Amos delivers a stark warning to Israel, highlighting their complacency and repeated disobedience. Despite the nation's prosperity, they are blind to God's repeated calls for repentance. Through vivid imagery, Amos recounts the hardships sent by God—famine, drought, pestilence—as opportunities for Israel to turn back, yet they persist in their stubborn ways. The chapter culminates in a chilling declaration: prepare to meet your God, Israel.  The Rev. Jacob Hercamp, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Noblesville, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Amos 4.  Amos, a simple shepherd and fig tree farmer from Tekoa, was called by God to deliver a powerful message to Israel—a nation steeped in corruption, injustice, and complacency. Unlike the professional prophets of his time, Amos was an outsider, chosen to proclaim a divine warning against the moral decay and social inequalities that plagued the northern kingdom. Through vivid imagery and uncompromising language, Amos called out the wealthy elite fo

Amos offers a compelling insight into Israel’s unique relationship with God, where privilege comes with great responsibility. Through vivid imagery and pointed questions, the passage uncovers the nation’s persistent sins, making it clear that judgment is on the horizon. The message carries a sense of urgency, as God's warnings emphasize the need for repentance to avoid the looming consequences.  The Rev. Jason Bredeson, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sacramento, CA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Amos 3.  Amos, a simple shepherd and fig tree farmer from Tekoa, was called by God to deliver a powerful message to Israel—a nation steeped in corruption, injustice, and complacency. Unlike the professional prophets of his time, Amos was an outsider, chosen to proclaim a divine warning against the moral decay and social inequalities that plagued the northern kingdom. Through vivid imagery and uncompromising language, Amos called out the wealthy elite for their exploitation of the poor, condemned th

The prophet Amos delivers a powerful indictment against Israel, exposing their social injustices and moral decay. He highlights how the people have exploited the vulnerable, indulged in greed, and turned away from God’s righteousness. Despite their privileged position, Israel is warned of impending judgment, serving as a stark reminder that God’s justice is impartial and His call to repentance is urgent.  The Rev. Steven Theiss, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Amos 2:6-16.  Amos, a simple shepherd and fig tree farmer from Tekoa, was called by God to deliver a powerful message to Israel—a nation steeped in corruption, injustice, and complacency. Unlike the professional prophets of his time, Amos was an outsider, chosen to proclaim a divine warning against the moral decay and social inequalities that plagued the northern kingdom. Through vivid imagery and uncompromising language, Amos called out the wealthy elite for their exploitation of the poor

Amos, a shepherd from Tekoa, receives a divine vision that sets the stage for a series of powerful judgments against the nations surrounding Israel. Through vivid imagery and fierce proclamations, God’s justice is declared against the transgressions of Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, and others. As Amos turns his focus to Judah, the warnings become even more pointed, reminding us that no one is exempt from divine accountability.  The Rev. Jacob Heine, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Amos 1:1-2:5.  Amos, a simple shepherd and fig tree farmer from Tekoa, was called by God to deliver a powerful message to Israel—a nation steeped in corruption, injustice, and complacency. Unlike the professional prophets of his time, Amos was an outsider, chosen to proclaim a divine warning against the moral decay and social inequalities that plagued the northern kingdom. Through vivid imagery and uncompromising language, Amos called out the wealthy elite for their exploitati

Amos, a simple shepherd and fig tree farmer from Tekoa, was called by God to deliver a powerful message to Israel—a nation steeped in corruption, injustice, and complacency. Unlike the professional prophets of his time, Amos was an outsider, chosen to proclaim a divine warning against the moral decay and social inequalities that plagued the northern kingdom. Through vivid imagery and uncompromising language, Amos called out the wealthy elite for their exploitation of the poor, condemned the nation's empty religious practices, and foretold the impending judgment that would come if they did not repent.   Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocatio

In this episode we address common objections to infant baptism, explaining why this practice is deeply rooted in Scripture and Lutheran theology. We’ll explore why Lutherans don’t see baptism as a mere human act, but as a divine work through which God grants faith, forgiveness, and salvation—even to infants. We’ll also debunk myths about infant baptism, such as the idea that babies can’t have faith or that baptism guarantees salvation without ongoing faith.  The Rev. Thomas Eckstein, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to discuss infant baptism. 

St. Paul offers final instructions and encouragement to the Thessalonian believers. He asks for their prayers that the Lord’s message may spread rapidly and that they be delivered from wicked and evil people. Paul reassures them of the Lord’s faithfulness, urging them to remain steadfast and obedient. He addresses the issue of idleness among some members, reminding them that those unwilling to work should not eat and encouraging the community to avoid associating with such individuals while still treating them as brothers.  The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18.  In 1 and 2 Thessalonians, Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica to encourage and instruct them amidst persecution. In 1 Thessalonians, he commends their faith, love, and hope, offers guidance on living a holy life, and reassures them about the fate of believers who have died, emphasizing the hope of the resurrection and Christ’s return. In 2 T

The Apostle Paul tackles the Thessalonians' anxieties about the Day of the Lord, reassuring them that it hasn't yet arrived. He cautions them against being misled by false teachings or claims that the day is already here. Paul clarifies that certain events must take place first, including the rise of the "man of lawlessness," who will defy God and elevate himself above all forms of worship. This figure, empowered by Satan, will deceive many with false signs and wonders. But Paul offers hope, assuring believers that the Lord Jesus will ultimately triumph and destroy the man of lawlessness at His return. But who is this man?  The Rev. Brian Davies, pastor of Lord of Glory Lutheran Church in Grayslake, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Thessalonians 2.  In 1 and 2 Thessalonians, Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica to encourage and instruct them amidst persecution. In 1 Thessalonians, he commends their faith, love, and hope, offers guidance on living a holy life, and reassures them about the

St. Paul begins his second letter by expressing gratitude for the Thessalonians' growing faith and love amid persecution. He reassures them that their endurance is evidence of God's righteous judgment and that they will be counted worthy of His kingdom. Paul warns that those who oppose God will face eternal judgment when Jesus returns in glory. He concludes by praying that God would make them worthy of His calling, so that the name of Jesus may be glorified in them.  The Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Thessalonians 1.  In 1 and 2 Thessalonians, Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica to encourage and instruct them amidst persecution. In 1 Thessalonians, he commends their faith, love, and hope, offers guidance on living a holy life, and reassures them about the fate of believers who have died, emphasizing the hope of the resurrection and Christ’s return. In 2 Thessalonians, Paul addresses misunderstandings about the