Thy Strong Word From Kfuo Radio

Rev. John Greene, ordained teacher and pastor serving Grace Chapel Lutheran Church and School in St. Louis, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Romans 4:1-25. “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” (v. 3) St. Paul continues to explain how God declares us righteous on account of faith, not ancestry or adherence to the Law, and that faith is a gift. In the most Gospel-drenched section of Romans yet, the Apostle builds upon his teaching that salvation is from faith alone. To prove it, he points his readers to someone he knows they will respect: the patriarch Abraham. Abraham was counted as righteous because of his faith, not his works. So, where is our faith rightly placed? Not in our own works, but in Christ Jesus “who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” (v. 25)

Rev. Scott MacDonald, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Meridian, CT, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Romans 3:21-31. In this second half of chapter 3, the Apostle Paul clarifies that all people — Jew and Gentile — “have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (v. 23) What is God’s answer to this predicament? The long-promised Savior, Jesus Christ! God the Father sent his only Son to be a sacrifice to atone for the sins of the entire world. Righteousness then comes from faith in Jesus. This isn’t a new teaching, even the Law and the Prophets testify to it. What does this mean for the Jew or the Gentile? Can one boast because in how well they keep the Law or in what a good person they are? Paul says no! All people are “justified by faith apart from works of the law.” (v. 28)

Rev. Curtis Deterding, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Romans 3:1-20. If God shows no partiality, and no one is saved by keeping the Law perfectly, what advantage is there for the Jew? St. Paul begins this chapter by addressing this concern. With that in mind, is there any advantage to being a Lutheran? What about people who don’t believe but do good things for the world? Does that count as righteousness? The Apostle lays down the Law—literally!—as he prepares his readers with the harsh reality that everyone is sinful. Like the first half of a good Law-Gospel sermon, in Chapter 3, St. Paul uses the Psalms and Proverbs to demonstrate just how much all people need a Savior.

Rev. Steven Theiss, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Romans 2:12-29. “It is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.” (v.13) St. Paul writes this bold statement as he begins explaining the role of the Law in the believer's life. The Apostle reveals that when non-Jews, who have never been given the Law, still do what it commands, it shows that God has written his Law on their hearts. This is why even unbelievers today still tend to agree that certain things are wrong. But in this section Paul also has strong words for the Jews of his day: Genuine faith and obedience to God comes from within, not from hypocritically boasting in God’s favor while breaking his commandments.

Rev. Neil Wehmas, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ida Grove, IA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Romans 2:1-11. Only God has the right to judge. This doesn’t mean that Christians can’t, in love, call out sin in themselves, fellow Christians, or the world. But the Christian who judges others out of haughty pride condemns himself when he ignores his own sinfulness. Instead, we must cling to Christ in full knowledge that the Day of God’s wrath is coming. When will that be? Only God knows, but St. Paul warns his readers, and us, against presuming that God’s kindness and patience toward us means he doesn’t take unrighteousness seriously. Instead, God will judge us according to the works which flow from our faith.

Rev. Jason Bredeson, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sacramento, CA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Romans 1:16-32. St. Paul declares he is not ashamed of the gospel, but what does that mean? Hearing the term “gospel” would have caused the Roman Christians to think of the emperor, but Paul uses the expression to redirect them to the true God-King, Jesus. Paul establishes the main thesis for this letter with a quote from Habakkuk: “The righteous shall live by faith.” But after proclaiming that salvation is for all people, his tone shifts as he turns his focus toward unrighteousness. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul points out the depravity of how sinful people have exchanged the truth of God and for their own carnal desires. He addresses homosexual behavior, but ends this section with a litany of sinful behavior everyone can identify with in some way.

Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Romans 1:1-15. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/WrestlingWithTheBasics. St. Paul begins his letter with an introduction more detailed that in his other epistles. Filled with words of faith that hint at the content to come, St. Paul begins his longest letter by focusing on his call as an Apostle and his mission to spread the Gospel to the Gentiles. After telling the Roman Christians of his desire to visit them, Paul ends this introduction by speaking of his obligation to preach the Gospel—a commitment he’s eager to accomplish. Tune in to Pastor Booe’s first episode as he’s welcomed by fellow KFUO host, Pr. John Lukomski.

Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne, MN joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 50. Today is the changing of the guard for Thy Strong Word. Pastor Booe will be taking the baton as our new host, and Pastor Finnern is stepping down to focus on his new vocation as Minnesota North District President. Grief and fear grew among the brothers as Jacob died. The grief for the family and Egyptians was great and a witness to us on how to allow time to grieve the loss of a loved one. In this grief, questions arose concerning all of his power and how he would treat his brothers. Yet, by faith in the Lord’s promises, Joseph proclaims that the brother’s goal was evil, the LORD is greater and meant for good. It is difficult to remember, but God promises that no matter the evil in our world, the LORD is still at work that will ultimately be for good now and when Christ returns. “Lord God, Heavenly Father, You work for the good of Your people and we ask that you do so among us also. Keep us c

Rev. Greg Alms, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church & School in Catonsville, MD joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 49. Jacob blesses His sons as sons of the promise of Abraham from the Lord. He assembles his family and we receive a glimpse of what the Lord has done and what He will do in the future. God is always moving us forward, even though the future, let alone the past, may not be bright from our perspective, but God’s grace is always before us. Each son had a checkered story, but yet, God continued to bless His people. We pray as Jacob, “I wait for your salvation, O LORD” “Lord God, the past is covered by Your blood and the future is in Your hands. Fill us with Your promise of forgiveness, life, and salvation that we may trust in Your promises and serve with grace as You are gracious with us. Amen”

Rev. Martin Schultheis of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Baltimore, MD joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 48. As Jacob nears the end of his life he blesses Joseph’s sons (Manasseh and Ephraim), in essence adopting them. It is not much different than the times we visit our loved ones in hospice care. Jacob/Israel remembers the days of old and how the LORD had blessed his family and the promise of future blessings. For whatever reason, Jacob chooses the younger and unexpected to receive the right hand of blessing. We are reminded that the LORD chooses the weak to show us His glory which is best revealed to us by His cross. “Lord Jesus Christ, our Shepherd, Redeemer, and Immanuel, as You walked with the Israelites and blessed them, we plead with You to walk with us, redeem, and carry us. Fill us with Your promise of salvation that we receive now and will receive when You return. In Your name, Amen”

Rev. David Boisclair of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Church in Pine Lawn, MO joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 47. Pharaoh graciously gave the Israelites the best land of Egypt. The LORD provided for His people, through Pharaoh, with the land and gave them a home for the next 400+ years. The journey was filled with blessings of reality. We can see this account of the Israelites with pessimistic eyes—eventually they would become slaves and have to endure years of issues. Yet, we are people of hope. We see how God provided for all of their needs which led to freedom from slavery and the promise of salvation. “O Holy Spirit, fill us with hope. Hope not in ourselves, but hope that as You provided for the Israelites, You will also provide for us. Keep the hope of Christ before us so that we know that if the Son is willing to die for us, indeed You will provide for our other needs. In Your name, Amen”

Rev. Mitchell Gowen, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Lutheran Church in Aiea, HI joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 46. Israel was making his journey to Egypt filled with questions of the future. He stopped to make a sacrifice and the LORD filled him with His promise to always be with Him. In this promise we see how God blessed Israel with each member of his family. In our own families we usually make an effort to include EVERY member of your family when introducing them to others. The LORD knew everyone of Jacob’s family as He also knows you! One has a hard time not tearing up when hearing of Jacob and Joseph’s reunion. We are reminded of the Prodigal Son when the Father ran to his son and how the LORD reunites us back to Himself through Christ. “Lord God, thank You for remembering, protecting, and saving us in Your mercy. We pray once again for You to be with us so that we may enjoy the eternal family reunion with the Lamb of God who has taken our sins. In His name, amen”

Rev. Dennis McFadden, pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, IN joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 45. Joseph calls out the sin of his brothers, not for the sake of more shame, but that they may be restored with him and the LORD. He said it in a powerful way, “You sold me, for God sent me before you to preserve life.” The motivation to sell their brother was sinful, but God worked through it to send him to save His people. By God’s grace the relationship of Joseph and his brothers was restored. How could we not also see the revelation of Joseph as not dead but alive connected to the resurrection of Christ? The restoration of his brothers pales in comparison to the restoration that our Lord Jesus brings to the Father by His cross. “O Holy Spirit, restore us back to the Father through Christ. By Your power, reconcile us with others and keep us grounded as heirs of the Father and the undeserved salvation. Lord have mercy. Amen”

Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Edwardsville, IL joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 44. Joseph is playing with his brothers. We could interpret his actions as generous or as a trickster. Through it all, the LORD works to unite the family back together. Their time going back and forth to Joseph would have been exhausting. The brothers remembered their past sins, they did not want to see their father go through pain again, and they had remorse over “stealing” the $. Yet, when Judah pleaded to take the place of Benjamin to please the Father…we see how God’s grace was sufficient. As Judah stood in the place of his brother, our Lord stood in our place. “Lord God, as You reconciled Joseph to his family, reconcile us with those whom we are separated from. In Christ’s cross our reconciliation to the Father is completed. With our identity in Christ, help us to be ministers of reconciliation to others. In His name, Amen”

Rev. Lucas Witt, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Baltimore, MD joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 43. The Israelites needed to return as the famine continued. The choice to leave was difficult for everyone, especially Jacob, but by the strength of God Almighty, they went. The situation was full of questions, “How will the governor respond to the money in our sacs?” “How will he react to Benjamin?” “Will we be thrown into jail?” “Will we ever be able to get home?” The reality was far different: a merry time, hospitality, a full meal, and a place at the governor’s table. The words from the steward are words we need to continually hear from one another and our LORD, “Peace to you.” “Lord Jesus Christ, fill us with peace as You are the Prince of Peace. When we enter conflicted situations, provide us with words as salt that we may be people of reconciliation depending on the hope we have through Your reconciliation for us to the Father. In Your name, Amen”

Rev. Derek Waffel, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Pascagoula, MS joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 42. Two worlds collide again. Joseph was reunited with his brothers and understandably he treats them with contempt. The sin against Joseph was still a dark burden for the whole family, even 20 years later. Everyone was in need of healing that only God could give. This healing needed only comes through the LORD, as we hear of the Suffering Savior, “by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5).” “Lord Jesus Christ, by Your wounds, bring Your healing upon us. Heal us through Your blood-bought forgiveness. Pour Your love into our hearts that we may cast our burdens on You and that You may fill us with Your grace. Lord have mercy. Amen”

Rev. Matt Tooman, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wahpeton, ND joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 41. At the time, God chose dreams to reveal His work for the good of His people. He gave a prophecy for the Egyptian people to care for others and although we are not able to depend on dreams to create a savings plan, we are able to trust in Him and pray for Him to provide for our needs. We pray that He may “give us this day our daily bread” and He does provide what we need for this body and life, forgiveness of sins in Christ, and life forever. “O Lord God, provide for our needs as You did for Joseph that we not only may be sustained but that we may serve our neighbor for the sake of both bodily health and the gracious salvation in Christ. Amen”

Rev. Nick Koschmann, pastor of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Forest Grove, Oregon joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 40. Dreams can be fickle. They can give us a source of hope, but they can lead us away from our ultimate hope in the LORD. As the LORD would have it, the cupbearer and baker ended up in prison with Joseph. Each of them had bizarre dreams that ended up with different outcomes. By God’s grace, the LORD gave Joseph the ability to be their interpreter. God used Joseph at that time this ability to glorify Himself and not Joseph. We pray that whatever dreams, visions, or thoughts we have are not contradicting God’s Word, the cross, and His salvation in Christ. “Lord God, keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Whenever we find hope in anything other than you, bring us back to You. As You blessed Joseph to serve others, bless us with the opportunities to serve that they may glorify You and not ourselves. In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Nabil Nour, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hartford, South Dakota, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 39. The LORD caused Joseph to be successful. His master’s wife deceived Potiphar and led Joseph to be wrongly accused. We are unaware of why this happened, but we do know that the LORD worked good even when evil was the intention. In our lives we will see and experience sin, lies, and darkness, yet, we know that in Christ there is no darkness at all. “Heavenly Father, keep us from evil and deliver us as well. When darkness comes our way for reasons unknown, help us to trust in Your wisdom and grace to know that You will work good in Christ Jesus. Amen”

Rev. Steven Theiss, vacancy pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, MO joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 38. God chooses people for our salvation that we would not more than likely choose. Judah did follow God’s law which brought a snowball effect of sin and these sins led to the demise of a few of the sons. The issues that arose for the family was less to do with “generational sin” and more to do with a lack of faith. The intentions of Tamar were good, there must be an heir through Judah, but the actions were immoral. The reminder we have throughout the Bible is that our focus as Christians is not on ourselves. Our focus on our Redeemer who works through all things. “Lord Jesus Christ, as You provide for all of our needs, help us to live a good and holy life by Your Holy Spirit. Open our eyes that we may believe that You will work through all things for Your good and Your purposes. Lord have mercy. Amen”