Thy Strong Word From Kfuo Radio

The Rev. David Fleming, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, MI and Executive Director of Spiritual Care for Doxology, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 1 Timothy 1. The Apostle Paul pens this letter to the young pastor Timothy, who he left to shepherd the Ephesus congregation by teaching and defending the faith. In this first chapter, we find Paul leading with two serious concerns: preventing false teaching and immorality and promoting the chief focus of the church, that Christ came to save sinners. The "Pastoral Epistles" of 1st and 2nd Timothy and Titus, written by the Apostle Paul and divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit, are a treasure trove of invaluable insights into the early Christian church and God’s expectation for its leaders. These letters, brimming with wisdom, are not relics of the past but remain authoritative today. They offer a roadmap for navigating the challenges of leadership and teaching, making them not only essential for understanding the role of pastors but

The "Pastoral Epistles" of 1st and 2nd Timothy and Titus, written by the Apostle Paul and divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit, are a treasure trove of invaluable insights into the early Christian church and God’s expectation for its leaders. These letters, brimming with wisdom, are not relics of the past but remain authoritative today. They offer a roadmap for navigating the challenges of leadership and teaching, making them not only essential for understanding the role of pastors but also for all Christians seeking to live a life that honors God's will. 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. Thy Strong Word is graciously underwrit

The Rev. Dan Eddy, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Beloit, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Esther 9:29-10:3. We have come to the end of the book of Esther, where we find Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai, victorious in their efforts to save the Jews from the evil plot of Haman. They then establish a day of feasting and rejoicing in celebration of the Jews' deliverance, a perpetual feast which is still celebrated by Jews today: Purim. With this event being well recorded in Scripture, why don’t we find this festival on the Christian liturgical calendar? The books of Ruth and Esther from the Old Testament are the only two books in the Bible named for women, and on Thy Strong Word, we delve deep into both. The book of Esther recalls how a Jewish woman marries the Persian king Ahasuerus (Xerxes) and becomes queen. At the urging of her cousin, Mordecai, Esther uses her influence to foil a plot to exterminate the Hebrew people. Although God is not mentioned in the book, his power is at work b

The Rev. Doug Griebenaw, Mission Advocate at KFUO joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Esther 9:1-19. The date set by Haman for the destruction of the Jews has arrived. On display is the bravery of Queen Esther and Mordecai as they stand up for their people against their enemies. What follows is a triumphant counterattack by the Jews, who fought back against their enemies and emerged victorious. Although they were allowed to plunder their enemies, they chose not to in a sign that they only wanted to protect themselves. The books of Ruth and Esther from the Old Testament are the only two books in the Bible named for women, and on Thy Strong Word, we delve deep into both. The book of Esther recalls how a Jewish woman marries the Persian king Ahasuerus (Xerxes) and becomes queen. At the urging of her cousin, Mordecai, Esther uses her influence to foil a plot to exterminate the Hebrew people. Although God is not mentioned in the book, his power is at work behind the scenes.

The Rev. Kevin Parviz, pastor of Congregation Chai v’ Shalom in St. Louis, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Esther 8. Haman is finished and Mordecai is elevated to the office Haman once held. Queen Esther pleads to the King on behalf of the Jews and the King permits Mordecai to issue new edict. Because the King couldn’t simply revoke the command earlier permitted Haman to make in his name calling for the destruction of the Jews, this new edict allowed the Jews to defend themselves against whoever would attack them. Politics, huh!? The books of Ruth and Esther from the Old Testament are the only two books in the Bible named for women, and on Thy Strong Word, we delve deep into both. The book of Esther recalls how a Jewish woman marries the Persian king Ahasuerus (Xerxes) and becomes queen. At the urging of her cousin, Mordecai, Esther uses her influence to foil a plot to exterminate the Hebrew people. Although God is not mentioned in the book, his power is at work behind the scenes.

The Rev. Doug Griebenaw, pastor and Mission Advocate at KFUO joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Esther 6:14-7:10. Irony. Comeuppance. Poetic Justice. Whatever you want to call it, Haman’s humiliation in the previous chapter is now compounded as Queen Esther uses the occasion of another special feast for King Ahasuerus and Haman to reveal Haman’s treacherous plot against the Jews. The king is furious while Haman grovels for mercy before the Queen. Is Haman simply experiencing a string of bad luck? No, it’s God’s divine providence at work. How does King Ahasuerus react? Let’s just say, the gallows Haman built will get some use after all. The books of Ruth and Esther from the Old Testament are the only two books in the Bible named for women, and on Thy Strong Word, we delve deep into both. The book of Esther recalls how a Jewish woman marries the Persian king Ahasuerus (Xerxes) and becomes queen. At the urging of her cousin, Mordecai, Esther uses her influence to foil a plot to exterminate the Hebrew pe

The Rev. Jim Daub, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Havelock, NC, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe on a special “Free-Text First Friday” episode to study selected funeral texts. Everything we do in the church is in preparation for our eternal lives in the new heavens and new earth. Although we rightfully pray for Christ’s return, it’s likely that our journey on earth will end in death. Death was not God’s desire for humans. It’s the wages of our sins, as the apostle writes. And yet, funerals provide so much comfort for those who’ve lost loved ones in faith because the focus is not on the deeds or merits of the person, but on the word and promises of Christ. 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 W

The Rev. Nick Koschmann, pastor of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Forest Grove, Oregon, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Esther 6:1-13. Haman goes to the King’s palace early, eager to convince him to authorize the execution of Mordecai. Providentially, he arrives just as King Ahasuerus is seeking someone to advise him on how to best reward Mordecai for previously foiling an assassination plot against him. He asks Haman how to honor a worthy, but unnamed man. Ironically, Haman, thinking the King wants to honor him, has very specific ideas of how to reward and celebrate this mysterious man. The King then orders Haman to carry out everything he suggested—for Mordecai—and this is just the beginning of Haman’s very bad day. The books of Ruth and Esther from the Old Testament are the only two books in the Bible named for women, and on Thy Strong Word, we delve deep into both. The book of Esther recalls how a Jewish woman marries the Persian king Ahasuerus (Xerxes) and becomes queen. At the urging of her

The Rev. Roger Mullet, pastor of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Churubusco, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Esther 5. Queen Esther invites King Ahasuerus and Haman to a luxurious banquet, with the intention of addressing his edict against the Jews. However, she delays mentioning anything until the next day. Haman leaves the feast feeling proud of his high rank and the many privileges he has been given. However, his pride takes a hit when Mordecai refuses to show him the respect he feels he deserves. Haman's wife and friends suggest he take action against Mordecai, and Haman eagerly decides to have him executed. The books of Ruth and Esther from the Old Testament are the only two books in the Bible named for women, and on Thy Strong Word, we delve deep into both. The book of Esther recalls how a Jewish woman marries the Persian king Ahasuerus (Xerxes) and becomes queen. At the urging of her cousin, Mordecai, Esther uses her influence to foil a plot to exterminate the Hebrew people. Althou

The Rev. Dr. Vernon Wendt, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lexington, KY and Missionary-at-Large in Richmond, KY, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Esther 4. Mordecai reacts to Haman’s deadly plan to destroy all Jews. He turns to Queen Esther, and begs her to use her status to plead for her people before the king. But with a strict law forbidding anyone, including the queen, from approaching the king without being summoned, Esther is faced with a daunting decision. Esther sends word to Mordecai for all the Jews to fast as she contemplates her next move. Mordecai encourages her, “who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this.” The books of Ruth and Esther from the Old Testament are the only two books in the Bible named for women, and on Thy Strong Word, we delve deep into both. The book of Esther recalls how a Jewish woman marries the Persian king Ahasuerus (Xerxes) and becomes queen. At the urging of her cousin, Mordecai, Esther uses her influence to foil a pl

The Rev. Doug Minton, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Esther 3. Esther is Queen, but King Ahasuerus has elevated one of his officials, Hamann, to prime minister and given him authority to rule over all the other officials. One of those officials, Mordecai, a Jew, and a cousin and father figure to Esther, refuses to bow down to Hamann as instructed. Hamann responds in anger and devises a plan to destroy all the Jews. The books of Ruth and Esther from the Old Testament are the only two books in the Bible named for women, and on Thy Strong Word, we delve deep into both. The book of Esther recalls how a Jewish woman marries the Persian king Ahasuerus (Xerxes) and becomes queen. At the urging of her cousin, Mordecai, Esther uses her influence to foil a plot to exterminate the Hebrew people. Although God is not mentioned in the book, his power is at work behind the scenes.

The Rev. Steven Theiss, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Esther 2. Things took a dramatic turn in the previous chapter when the King deposed Queen Vashti when she refused to be paraded around for the entertainment of his guests. Now, the search for a new queen begins and Esther, a young Jewish woman, is chosen to be queen. But Esther must keep her Jewish heritage a secret to avoid any potential persecution in the Persian court. The books of Ruth and Esther from the Old Testament are the only two books in the Bible named for women, and on Thy Strong Word, we delve deep into both. The book of Esther recalls how a Jewish woman marries the Persian king Ahasuerus (Xerxes) and becomes queen. At the urging of her cousin, Mordecai, Esther uses her influence to foil a plot to exterminate the Hebrew people. Although God is not mentioned in the book, his power is at work behind the scenes.

The Rev. Thomas Eckstein, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Esther 1. The Book of Esther is the second of the only two books in the Bible named for women. It tells the story of a young Jewish woman named Esther who becomes the queen of Persia and uses her position to save her people from extermination. Notably, nowhere in the book is God mentioned, and yet we see his handiwork behind the scenes shaping history and working good for his people. The books of Ruth and Esther from the Old Testament are the only two books in the Bible named for women, and on Thy Strong Word, we delve deep into both. The book of Esther recalls how a Jewish woman marries the Persian king Ahasuerus (Xerxes) and becomes queen. At the urging of her cousin, Mordecai, Esther uses her influence to foil a plot to exterminate the Hebrew people. Although God is not mentioned in the book, his power is at work behind the scenes.

The Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the Ruth 4. The book of Ruth closes with a shift from the unusual nature of Ruth’s proposal to Boaz to a more traditional approach to the matter. Boaz meets with the other eligible redeemer in the presence of ten elders, who serve as witnesses, to publicly settle who will redeem Elimelech’s land and marry Ruth. The chapter ends with a marriage and a short genealogy that shows Ruth the Moabite to be the mother of Obed, the grandfather of King David. The books of Ruth and Esther from the Old Testament are the only two books in the Bible named for women, and on Thy Strong Word, we delve deep into both. The book of Ruth is a story of a young Moabite widow’s faithfulness to mother-in-law and her God. In a time of famine and violence, God leads Ruth to meet and marry Boaz whose union brings about a child, Obed, who would become the grandfather of King David.

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 Ruth 3. After Ruth’s encounter with Boaz, in this chapter Naomi, feeling the weight of her loss and her daughter-in-law's widowhood, devises a plan to secure a future for Ruth. She tells her to sneak into the threshing floor where the wealthy landowner Boaz is working late at night. Ruth obeys. While Boaz is sleeping, the text says she “uncovers his feet” which startles Boaz. The next thing you know, they’re talking about marriage. The books of Ruth and Esther from the Old Testament are the only two books in the Bible named for women, and on Thy Strong Word, we delve deep into both. The book of Ruth is a story of a young Moabite widow’s faithfulness to mother-in-law and her God. In a time of famine and violence, God leads Ruth to meet and marry Boaz whose union brings about a child, Obed, who would become the grandfather of King David.

The Rev. James Stefanic, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Marshall, MN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Ruth 2. Ruth followed her mother-in-law Naomi, into Israel. As a Moabite woman, one might question Ruth’s loyalty, but she proved that she is faithful not only to Naomi, but to YHWH—the one true God. In this chapter, we see Ruth gleaning grain from the crops left over to feed the poor, as was God’s command from of old. Ruth gleans in the field of Boaz, who takes an interest in her. Her encounter with Boaz, who would become for her a kinsman-redeemer, would change everything. But what is a kinsman-redeemer? The books of Ruth and Esther from the Old Testament are the only two books in the Bible named for women, and on Thy Strong Word, we delve deep into both. The book of Ruth is a story of a young Moabite widow’s faithfulness to mother-in-law and her God. In a time of famine and violence, God leads Ruth to meet and marry Boaz whose union brings about a child, Obed, who would become the g

The Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Churches in Pine Lawn, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Ruth 1. The events told in the book of Ruth are simple and beautiful, but they are made even more striking because of the chaotic and dangerous times in which they take place. In the opening chapter, we are introduced to Naomi who had lost her husband and two sons in a short time, which left her stranded in Moab, a foreign land, accompanied by her two Moabite daughters-in-law. What follows is just the beginning of a story of bravery and faithfulness to God. The books of Ruth and Esther from the Old Testament are the only two books in the Bible named for women, and on Thy Strong Word, we delve deep into both. The book of Ruth is a story of a young Moabite widow’s faithfulness to mother-in-law and her God. In a time of famine and violence, God leads Ruth to meet and marry Boaz whose union brings about a child, Obed, who would become the grandfather of King David.

The books of Ruth and Esther from the Old Testament are the only two books in the Bible named for women, and on Thy Strong Word, we delve deep into both. The book of Ruth is a story of a young Moabite widow’s faithfulness to mother-in-law and her God. In a time of famine and violence, God leads Ruth to meet and marry Boaz whose union brings about a child, Obed, who would become the grandfather of King David. The book of Esther recalls how a Jewish woman marries the Persian king Ahasuerus (Xerxes) and becomes queen. At the urging of her cousin, Mordecai, Esther uses her influence to foil a plot to exterminate the Hebrew people. Although God is not mentioned in the book, his power is at work behind the scenes.   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 Scriptu

The Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Exodus 40. We’ve arrived at the last chapter of Exodus. The Tabernacle, its furnishings, and all the accoutrements required for worship have been constructed. Now, God directs Moses to set it all up according to his divinely revealed pattern. As the chapter ends, the glory of God fills the Tabernacle, signifying that it is holy ground where he dwells among his people. The completion of this special worship place signifies a major milestone in the Israelites' journey. Their God now travels with them, and they have a place to meet him. It’s the true story of God reaching down into history and, through an unlikely prophet, redeeming his chosen people from slavery. It’s the story of Exodus, but it’s also the story of us all. How through Christ, God has liberated us from sin, death, and the Devil. Don’t miss this chapter-by-chapter study of the Book of Exodus on Thy Strong Word.

The Rev. Ryan Fehrmann, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Wausau, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Exodus 39. Now comes the creation and adornment of the vestments to be worn by the priests of Israel when serving in the Tabernacle. This penultimate chapter begins with the crafting of the ephod worn by the high priest, which was made of fine linen and gold thread. It also describes the making of the breastplate, a decorative piece worn by the high priest and adorned with precious stones. Finally, the chapter ends with the completion of all the vestments, which were worn as a sign of the priests’ consecration to God's service. It’s the true story of God reaching down into history and, through an unlikely prophet, redeeming his chosen people from slavery. It’s the story of Exodus, but it’s also the story of us all. How through Christ, God has liberated us from sin, death, and the Devil. Don’t miss this chapter-by-chapter study of the Book of Exodus on Thy Strong Word.