Thy Strong Word From Kfuo Radio

The Rev. Frank Ruffatto, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Charleston, West Virginia, and Executive Director of Peace Officer Ministries, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 20. The aftermath of Absalom's rebellion leaves a kingdom divided and teetering on the edge of chaos. As David regains control, a new crisis emerges when a cunning rebel named Sheba seizes the opportunity to challenge the king's reign. With loyalty tested and alliances shattered, David's trusted general, Joab, takes charge of the pursuit, determined to capture Sheba before his rebellion spirals out of control. 2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart.

The Rev. David Benning, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Nashville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Matthew 18. This episode explores the true meaning of forgiveness, humility, and the immense love Jesus has for every lost sinner, while contemplating on what it means to deal with conflict within our congregations. This study of Matthew 18 will reveal how we should live as members of the Kingdom of Heaven: humbly, forgivingly, and always striving for reconciliation and unity in the face of tension and sin. 2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart. 

The Rev. Lucas Witt, assistant pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Baltimore, MD, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 19:9-43. In the aftermath of a bitter civil war, the once-mighty kingdom of Israel is wounded by division. King David, haunted by the rebellion of his own son Absalom and mourning his death, now faces the daunting task of restoring order and reclaiming his throne. Alliances are tested and old wounds resurface as David seeks to reconcile with those who remained loyal and forgive those who betrayed him. 2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart. 

The Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne, MN and host of the program goes solo for this study of 2 Samuel 18:1-19:8. As the war between King David and his rebellious son Absalom begins, Absalom finds himself trapped in an encounter that seals his fate – spoiler alert: he doesn’t survive. Meanwhile, David, torn between his kingly duties and a father's love, is waiting in Jerusalem, hoping for his son's survival. As reports from the battlefront arrive, and the dust of war settles, the consequences of betrayal, the harsh reality of war, and the depth of a father's love become tragically clear. 2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart. 

The Rev. Doug Griebenaw, pastor and Mission Advocate at KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 17. Absalom faces a crucial decision: whom to trust for his strategy against David? Ahithophel, his cunning advisor, proposes a swift and deadly strike at the king. Hushai, David’s spy and confederate, counters with a more cautious and elaborate plan. Absalom chooses Hushai’s advice, which leads Ahithophel to take his own life. David and his loyal followers cross the Jordan and prepare for battle. Absalom and his army pursue them into the land of Gilead. Who will win this bloody civil war? 2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart. 

The Rev. George Murdaugh, pastor emeritus assisting First Lutheran Church, Birmingham, AL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 16. Betrayal, curses, and a scandal are on the agenda for today. As David flees from his rebellious son Absalom, he faces enemies and encounters allies along the way. Ziba, a servant of Mephibosheth, brings him supplies and lies about his master’s loyalty. Shimei, a relative of Saul, hurls insults and stones at the fleeing king. David must decide how to respond. Meanwhile, Absalom arrives in Jerusalem and follows some wicked advice of Ahithophel. How will David respond? 2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart. 

The Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Churches in Pine Lawn, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 15. Absalom’s return provides him opportunity to get revenge over his father David. Absalom cunningly plots to steal the hearts of the people of Israel, gradually amassing a significant following and undermining his father's authority. As carefully positions himself as an alternative ruler, the once unshakable foundation of David's kingdom is rocked by the treachery of his own flesh and blood. 2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart. 

The Rev. Dr. Michael Nielson, pastor of Salem Lutheran Church in Barron, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 14. David’s son Absalom has been banished after killing his half-brother Amnon for his assault on their sister Tamar. Despite Absalom’s aspirations for the crown, David is still distraught over his son. Meanwhile, Joab, the commander of the armies, employs a mysterious wise woman from Tekoa to weave a sad tale of family betrayal to entice King David into reconciling with his estranged son Absalom. Her words grip the very core of David's being, forcing him to confront his past and seek reconciliation with his banished son Absalom. 2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart. 

The Rev. Glenn Roseman, pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church in Franklin, NC, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 13. This chapter tells the story of Amnon, David's firstborn, and his vile obsession with his half-sister, Tamar. Aided by his crafty friend Jonadab, Amnon orchestrates a disturbing scheme that leads to Tamar's ruin and disgrace. The aftermath stirs up a storm of anger and revenge within Absalom, Tamar's full brother, setting in motion a chain of events that will shake David's kingdom to its core. 2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart. 

The Rev. Ryan Fehrmann, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Wausau, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 12. We witness a confrontation between the prophet Nathan and King David, orchestrated by God Himself. This chapter serves as a turning point in David's narrative, as he is forced to reckon with his transgressions—adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah. As Nathan eloquently unfolds a parable about a rich man's greed and a poor man's loss, David is left to confront the mirror of his own actions. 2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart. 

The Rev. Dan Eddy, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Beloit, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 11. In the springtime, when kings usually go to war, David stayed behind in Jerusalem while his army fought the Ammonites. One night, from the rooftop of his palace, he saw a beautiful woman bathing in her courtyard and he desired her. He found out that she was Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, one of his loyal soldiers. He sent for her and slept with her, and she became pregnant. David makes a plan to hide what’s he’s done, but will it succeed? How far will he go to hide his adultery? And how will God respond to his actions? 2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart. 

The Rev. Steven Theiss, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 10.  When King David sends his envoys to express condolences to the Ammonite king after the passing of his father, they are met with suspicion and humiliation. Fueled by wounded pride, the Ammonites join forces with the Arameans, their allies, and prepare for war against Israel. Sensing the impending threat, David dispatches Joab, his trusted general, to lead the Israelite army into battle. What follows is a harrowing tale of strategic warfare, shifting alliances, and the quest for victory in the face of overwhelming odds.  2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart. 

The Rev. Matthew Knauss associate pastor of Community Lutheran Church in Escondido, CA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 8-9. David’s remarkable military victories as the king of Israel are recounted. He defeats the Philistines, the Moabites, the Arameans, and the Edomites, and establishes his authority over the surrounding nations. He dedicates the spoils of war to the Lord and appoints officials to administer justice and peace in his kingdom. David then seeks out any surviving member of Saul’s family and finds Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s crippled son. He restores to him all the land that belonged to Saul and invites him to eat at his table as one of his sons. 2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart. 

The Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne, MN and host of the program goes solo for this study of 2 Samuel 7. King David desires to build a temple for God but is told by the prophet Nathan that it will be his son who fulfills this task. This revelation humbles David, who realizes the eternal significance of God's covenant and promises. God assures David that his descendants will establish an everlasting kingdom in Israel. David responds with humility and gratitude, recognizing God's grace and faithfulness. 2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart. 

The Rev. Gem Gabriel, pastor of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Norwalk, CT joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 6. King David's exuberant procession to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem takes a tragic turn when a well-intentioned man touches the sacred Ark, resulting in his death. Filled with fear, David hesitates but witnesses the blessings that follow the presence of the Ark in Obed-Edom's house. Renewed with reverence, David resumes the journey, emphasizing the delicate balance between celebration and reverence, reminding us of the consequences of disregarding sacred boundaries and not heading God’s commands. 2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart. 

The Rev. Christopher Amen, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pipestone, MN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 5. David finally unites all Israel under his rule and he captures Jerusalem from the Jebusites and makes it his own city. He receives support from a foreign king and expands his family and wealth. He faces the Philistines, his former allies, and defeats them with God’s help. He is the king that God chose and blessed. But will he remain faithful to God? 2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart. 

The Rev. Dr. Peter Elliot, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Seattle, WA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 4. A king in danger, a plot to kill, and a surprise twist. Ish-Bosheth, Saul’s son and rival king of David, is in trouble. His strongest ally is dead, and his kingdom is crumbling. He doesn’t know who to trust or what to do. Two of his own commanders have a plan to end his misery and secure their future. They sneak into his bedroom and do something unthinkable. They think they have done a great service to David, but they are in for a shock when they meet him face to face. How will David react to their deed? What will happen to Ish-Bosheth’s legacy? 2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart. 

The Rev. Tim Winterstein, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in East Wenatchee, WA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the 2 Samuel 3. Abner, the loyal supporter of Saul’s house, defects to David after a quarrel with Ishbosheth, Saul’s weak son and heir. He negotiates with David to unite all Israel under his rule. Yet, he falls victim to Joab’s revenge and die by his sword. David laments for Abner and distances himself from Joab’s crime. He honors Abner as a prince and a great man in Israel. 2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart. 

The Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 2. The war for the throne of Israel begins in earnest. David is anointed king of Judah in Hebron, while Saul's son Ishbosheth rules over the rest of the tribes. A bloody battle ensues between their armies, led by Joab and Abner. Who will prevail in this struggle for power and God's favor? 2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart. 

The Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 1. Find Wrestling with the Basics at https://www.kfuo.org/category/wrestling-with-the-basics/ 2 Samuel opens with David’s reaction as he hears about the death of not only Saul, but also his close friend Jonathan. David mourns for Jonathan out of his love for him. He also mourns for King Saul out of his great respect for his office as the Lord’s anointed. David exercises judgment against an Amalekite who came to him with an interesting story to tell: that he was the one who dealt the final death blow against King Saul.  2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart.