Thy Strong Word From Kfuo Radio

The Rev. Doug Griebenaw, pastor and Mission Advocate at KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 10:1-31. Jesus confronts the Pharisees who test him on the issue of divorce, and he affirms that God’s original design was for a lifelong union between a man and a woman. He also welcomes the little children who come to him and declares that the kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it like a child. Finally, he encounters a rich young man who asks him how to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to sell everything he has and follow him. Beneath the fast-paced action of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark lies a profound theological message: we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Though Jesus performs mighty deeds and calls people to repent, they repeatedly fail to understand his true identity and mission. Even his disciples abandon him in his darkest hour. Yet Jesus willingly suffers and dies on the cross as a ransom for many, accomplishing what we could not do ourselve

The Rev. Kevin Yoakum, pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Riverview, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 9:30-50. Jesus and His disciples leave the region of the Decapolis and head back to Galilee, making their way southeast toward Capernaum and Jesus once again predicts his death and resurrection to his disciples privately. They did not understand but were afraid to ask more. Jesus urges humility, service, care for the vulnerable, and especially the removal of temptation. Despite their lack of understanding, Jesus prepares his followers for his betrayal and death, and for the trials and tribulations to come. Beneath the fast-paced action of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark lies a profound theological message: we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Though Jesus performs mighty deeds and calls people to repent, they repeatedly fail to understand his true identity and mission. Even his disciples abandon him in his darkest hour. Yet Jesus willingly suffers and die

The Rev. Adam DeGroot, pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, NM, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 9:2-29. In his transfiguration, Jesus has an amazing and miraculous encounter with Moses and Elijah, revealing his glory to three disciples who were there to witness it. Later, at the foot of the mountain, a desperate father asks Jesus to heal his demon-afflicted son after the disciples failed to do so. With compassion, Jesus rebukes the evil spirit and heals the boy. Beneath the fast-paced action of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark lies a profound theological message: we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Though Jesus performs mighty deeds and calls people to repent, they repeatedly fail to understand his true identity and mission. Even his disciples abandon him in his darkest hour. Yet Jesus willingly suffers and dies on the cross as a ransom for many, accomplishing what we could not do ourselves - securing our justification before God. Mark presents Jesus not j

The Rev. Dr. Curtis Deterding, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 8:22-9:1. Blindness gives way to sight and insight as Jesus restores a man's vision. Then, when Peter correctly confesses Jesus to be the Christ, Jesus foretells his impending suffering and death before promising some disciples would see the kingdom of God come in power. Through miraculous healing, pointed questioning, and prophetic revelations, Jesus revealed his divine nature and prepared followers for the path ahead. Beneath the fast-paced action of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark lies a profound theological message: we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Though Jesus performs mighty deeds and calls people to repent, they repeatedly fail to understand his true identity and mission. Even his disciples abandon him in his darkest hour. Yet Jesus willingly suffers and dies on the cross as a ransom for many, accomplishing what we could not do ourselves - securi

The Rev. Kevin Parviz, pastor of Congregation Chai v’ Shalom in St. Louis, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 8:1-21. Jesus performs miracles that reveal his divine power and compassion, feeding thousands with scarce food. He also warns his disciples to beware of the dangerous influence of the Pharisees and Herod. Despite witnessing Jesus' wonders, the disciples still struggle with spiritual blindness, misunderstanding his teachings. Yet Jesus patiently ministers to all who need him. Beneath the fast-paced action of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark lies a profound theological message: we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Though Jesus performs mighty deeds and calls people to repent, they repeatedly fail to understand his true identity and mission. Even his disciples abandon him in his darkest hour. Yet Jesus willingly suffers and dies on the cross as a ransom for many, accomplishing what we could not do ourselves - securing our justification before God. Mark presents

The Rev. Doug Minton, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 7:24-37. Jesus embarks on a surprising detour that will radically expand the boundaries of his ministry. After resistance from religious leaders, Jesus withdraws from Galilee to the unlikely Gentile regions of Tyre and Sidon. There he grapples with the determined faith of a Canaanite woman begging his help. Later, in the Decapolis, Jesus performs a dramatic healing by unconventional means, then oddly prohibits the witnesses from sharing what happened. Why would Jesus venture to these Gentile areas knowing it would create controversy? What do his cryptic words and actions reveal about his true mission? Beneath the fast-paced action of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark lies a profound theological message: we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Though Jesus performs mighty deeds and calls people to repent, they repeatedly fail to understand his true identity and mission

The Rev. James Helms, Jr., pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Greenbelt, MD, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to discuss Christian discipleship. The discussion turns to discipline in this last Free-Text First Friday of 2023. What does it mean to be disciplined as a follower of Christ? Far from the negative connotations of punishment or rigid control, biblical discipline is rooted in the overflow of God's love. Through the Holy Spirit, God patiently transforms believers into the image of Jesus, purifying them as vessels set apart for holy use. For many Christians, the call to obedience clashes with cultural preferences for self-determination and comfort. How do believers embrace discipline not as oppression, but as an invitation to share in Christ's sufferings and holiness? What practices and postures enable divine discipline to shape human hearts?

The Rev. Christopher Craig, pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sylvan Grove, KS, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 7:1-23. Tensions erupt as Jesus faces criticism from the Pharisees about his disciples' failure to observe ritual handwashing before meals. When questioned, Jesus boldly accuses these religious leaders of rank hypocrisy and misplaced priorities. Jesus teaches that external rituals cannot make one spiritually clean. Rather, it is the evil desires and intentions that emerge from within that defile a person. Beneath the fast-paced action of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark lies a profound theological message: we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Though Jesus performs mighty deeds and calls people to repent, they repeatedly fail to understand his true identity and mission. Even his disciples abandon him in his darkest hour. Yet Jesus willingly suffers and dies on the cross as a ransom for many, accomplishing what we could not do ourselves - securing our just

The Rev. Roger Mullet, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Buffalo, WY, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 6:30-56. Exhausted from ministry, Jesus and his disciples seek rest but are besieged by the demanding crowds. As evening falls with no provisions in sight, Jesus performs a miraculous mass feeding with mere scraps of food. He then retreats alone to the mountain before miraculously walking upon the sea to join his beleaguered disciples. Their reaction shifts from terror to awe as the winds cease at his approach. Upon landing, Jesus is immediately inundated by the sick yearning just to touch his cloak. Human desperation relentlessly pursues him, only to encounter divine compassion and power at every turn. Beneath the fast-paced action of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark lies a profound theological message: we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Though Jesus performs mighty deeds and calls people to repent, they repeatedly fail to understand his true identity and

The Rev. Dr. Mike Nielsen, pastor of Salem Lutheran Church in Barron, WI joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 6:7-29. Jesus sends out his disciples on a mission of preaching and healing, but the passage takes a dark turn with the chilling account of John the Baptist's beheading. This juxtaposition between the disciples' empowered mission and John's tragic end highlights the profound challenges and sacrifices faced by those who bear witness to the truth, making it a riveting exploration of the cost of discipleship and the clash between spiritual purpose and worldly power. Beneath the fast-paced action of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark lies a profound theological message: we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Though Jesus performs mighty deeds and calls people to repent, they repeatedly fail to understand his true identity and mission. Even his disciples abandon him in his darkest hour. Yet Jesus willingly suffers and dies on the cross as a ransom for many, accomplishing wha

The Rev. Christopher Maronde, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Hastings, IA, and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oakland, IA joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 5:21-6:6. This passage opens with Jairus, a desperate synagogue leader, seeking Jesus' help to save his dying daughter. Interrupting this urgent mission is a miraculous encounter with a woman who has suffered from a chronic ailment for twelve years takes center stage, illustrating the profound impact of unwavering faith. This passage culminates with Jesus' return to his hometown of Nazareth, where his wisdom and authority face resistance and disbelief from those who knew him as a young carpenter. Beneath the fast-paced action of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark lies a profound theological message: we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Though Jesus performs mighty deeds and calls people to repent, they repeatedly fail to understand his true identity and mission. Even his disciples abandon him in his darkest hour. Ye

The Rev. Steven Theiss, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 4:35-5:20. Jesus and his disciples embark on a journey by boat across the Sea of Galilee. Midway, they encounter a violent storm, illustrating the power of Jesus to command nature. Upon reaching the other side, they are met by a man possessed by a legion of demons, residing among the tombs and exhibiting incredible strength. In a dramatic confrontation, Jesus casts out the demons and restores the man to sanity. These events serve as a compelling testament to Jesus’ divinity and his mission to bring healing and restoration to the broken. Beneath the fast-paced action of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark lies a profound theological message: we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Though Jesus performs mighty deeds and calls people to repent, they repeatedly fail to understand his true identity and mission. Even his disciples abandon him in his darkest hour. Yet Jesus

The Rev. Roger Mullet, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Buffalo, WY, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 4:1-34. Jesus teaches in parables to crowds by the sea, relating the parable of the Sower, the lamp on a stand, the growing seed, and the mustard seed. He explains the purpose of parables to his disciples, and interprets the parable of the Sower, describing how the word takes root in those who hear. After dismissing the crowds, we learn that Jesus taught publicly in parables but explained them privately to his disciples. The question is, why? Beneath the fast-paced action of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark lies a profound theological message: we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Though Jesus performs mighty deeds and calls people to repent, they repeatedly fail to understand his true identity and mission. Even his disciples abandon him in his darkest hour. Yet Jesus willingly suffers and dies on the cross as a ransom for many, accomplishing what we could no

The Rev. Ben Maton, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Charlottesville, Virginia, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 3:7-35. As Jesus and his disciples withdraw near the Sea of Galilee, huge crowds follow from all over. Jesus heals the sick and casts out demons while reminding people not to make him known for his time had not yet come. He appoints the twelve disciples, granting them authority to preach and cast out demons. Meanwhile, teachers of the law from Jerusalem accuse Jesus of working by the power of Satan rather than the Spirit of God. Jesus warns his hearers against blaspheming the Holy Spirit and reminds them that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. Beneath the fast-paced action of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark lies a profound theological message: we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Though Jesus performs mighty deeds and calls people to repent, they repeatedly fail to understand his true identity and mission. Even his disciples abandon him in h

The Rev. Dr. Burnell Eckardt, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Kewanee, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 2:12-3:6. Jesus calls the tax collector Levi to follow him, and Levi hosts a dinner for Jesus with many other sinners. When questioned by Pharisees for associating with such people, Jesus declares he has come for the sick, not the righteous. He is then questioned for allowing his disciples to pluck grain on the Sabbath to eat. Jesus responds by declaring himself the Lord of the Sabbath. Entering the synagogue on another Sabbath, Jesus heals a man's withered hand as the Pharisees watch to accuse him of unlawful action. Angered by Jesus' disregard for tradition, the Pharisees begin plotting with the Herodians how they might destroy him. Beneath the fast-paced action of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark lies a profound theological message: we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Though Jesus performs mighty deeds and calls people to repent, they repeatedly fail to

The Rev. Luke Brown, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Ellsworth, Kansas, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 1:21-2:12. This section begins with Jesus' teaching in a synagogue in Capernaum, where his authoritative and powerful teaching amazes the people. During his sermon, he exorcises an unclean spirit from a man, further demonstrating his divine authority. Jesus then heals Simon Peter's mother-in-law, and the news of his miraculous deeds spreads rapidly. In response to the growing crowds seeking his healing and teachings, Jesus moves on to the next town. After he returns, Jesus heals a paralyzed man, telling him his sins are forgiven before miraculously curing his disability, lowered down through a roof by his friends. This riles up the Pharisees who accuse Jesus of blasphemy. Beneath the fast-paced action of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark lies a profound theological message: we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Though Jesus performs mighty deeds and calls people

The Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Churches in Pine Lawn, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 1:1-20. The gospel of Mark wastes no time launching into the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. This chapter introduces John the Baptist, a prophet sent to prepare the way for Christ's arrival. When Jesus comes to the Jordan to be baptized, a voice from heaven declares Him God's beloved Son. Immediately thereafter, Jesus is compelled by the Spirit into the wilderness where He undergoes temptation by Satan. Emerging victorious, Jesus travels to Galilee to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God.  Beneath the fast-paced action of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark lies a profound theological message: we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Though Jesus performs mighty deeds and calls people to repent, they repeatedly fail to understand his true identity and mission. Even his disciples abandon him in his darkest hour. Yet Jesus willingly suffers and d

The Rev. Nabil Nour, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hartford, SD and fourth vice president of the LCMS, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Jonah 3 & 4. After his ordeal at sea, Jonah finally obeys God's command and preaches repentance in Nineveh. To his surprise, the wicked city heeds his words and turns from evil, sparking widespread repentance. Instead of rejoicing, Jonah becomes angry with God for relenting in judgment against Nineveh. After sheltering under a plant for shade, only to see it shrivel up overnight, Jonah pouts about the withered plant while ignoring the sprawling city of 120,000 people who God had spared. When God explains how His compassion extends even to "evil" Nineveh, Jonah remains stubbornly displeased over the fate of his shade plant, blind to the true purpose of his mission.  The story of Jonah is one of the most fascinating tales in the Bible, yet also one of the most perplexing. God called, but Jonah ran the other way. You know the story - the disobedient prophet thr

The Rev. Thomas Eckstein, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Jonah 1 & 2. Jonah receives a divine command to preach in Nineveh, but he attempts to thwart God's will by boarding a ship in the opposite direction. His disobedience seems to incite a fierce storm that threatens to destroy the vessel. When the terrified sailors learn Jonah is running from his God, they reluctantly cast him into the raging sea at his request. Swallowed by a great fish, Jonah spends three agonizing days in its belly praying for deliverance. Upon being vomited onto dry land, Jonah is called once more to go to Nineveh. But will this brash prophet finally heed God's word, or foolishly attempt to evade His purpose again?  The story of Jonah is one of the most fascinating tales in the Bible, yet also one of the most perplexing. God called, but Jonah ran the other way. You know the story - the disobedient prophet thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish. But there's much

The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Joshua 24. The curtain falls on Joshua's leadership as he has assembled the Israelites at Shechem. With the Promised Land secured and challenges met Joshua delivers his final address, underscoring the pivotal choice between serving the one true God or following false idols. “Choose this day whom you will serve!” This often-misapplied verse emphasizes the theme of this chapter, which encapsulates Joshua's legacy, a testament to unwavering faith and obedience, echoing throughout generations. The Book of Joshua is a compelling account of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. It narrates their journey from the crossing of the Jordan River to the triumphant capture of the Promised Land. Filled with military campaigns, divine guidance, and moments of faith and obedience, this book underscores the fulfillment of God's promises and the importance of unwavering commitment