Thy Strong Word From Kfuo Radio

The Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn “The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came.” Turn to page 356 in your hymnals because we are kicking off our countdown to Christmas with “The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came.” Let God prepare your hearts this Advent as we explore the history behind the hymn and then, stanza-by-stanza, examine the themes and message of the lyrics against Scripture. You’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for this seasonal favorite. Learn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/356. Celebrate the birth of our Savior with Thy Strong Word’s Countdown to Christmas, a special series where we explore 10 of the most beloved Christmas hymns found in the Lutheran Service Book. Learn the history and meaning of these beautiful carols and how they reflect the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each weekday we dive into every stanza of these classic hymns and discover the rich theology and joy it expresses. Don’t miss this opportuni

The Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Micah 7. In this final chapter, the prophet laments the corrupt state of society, and highlights the prevalence of deceit, oppression, and untrustworthiness among people. Amid this darkness, Micah expresses unwavering trust in God's faithfulness and mercy, encouraging hope in divine redemption. The chapter contrasts the flaws of humanity with the constancy of God's character, emphasizing His forgiveness and ability to restore. It ultimately ends on a note of assurance, expressing confidence in God's eventual vindication and His promise to shepherd His people with compassion, leading them to a place of restoration and prosperity. Micah, one of the few prophets of his time still faithful to God in Israel, rebukes the societal injustices of the Israelites and pronounces judgment on the wickedness of the religious and political leaders of the time. Notably, Micah is the prophet w

The Rev. Dr. Benjamin Squires, pastor of Bethel Lutheran Church in Gurnee, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Micah 6. Micah 6 captures a profound dialogue between God and humanity, as the prophet challenges the people of Israel to remember their covenant with God. The passage begins with God's plea for the people to recall His faithfulness and righteousness, contrasting it with their disobedience and lack of gratitude. YHWH emphasizes that He desires justice, kindness, and humility rather than ritualistic offerings. The chapter concludes with a reminder of God's expectations: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him. Micah, one of the few prophets of his time still faithful to God in Israel, rebukes the societal injustices of the Israelites and pronounces judgment on the wickedness of the religious and political leaders of the time. Notably, Micah is the prophet who foretells that the future messianic ruler will be born in Bethlehem. Jesus not only fulfilled that prophecy, but he embo

The Rev. Roger Mullet, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Buffalo, WY, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Micah 5. Micah prophesies the birth of a future ruler from Bethlehem, emphasizing the humble origins of this figure who will bring peace and security to Israel. Despite Bethlehem's small size, this ruler's significance will extend far beyond, bringing a restoration of Israel's strength and prestige. This chapter unmistakably points to the birth of the Savior in Bethlehem, echoing the Gospel accounts of Jesus' birth. Micah, one of the few prophets of his time still faithful to God in Israel, rebukes the societal injustices of the Israelites and pronounces judgment on the wickedness of the religious and political leaders of the time. Notably, Micah is the prophet who foretells that the future messianic ruler will be born in Bethlehem. Jesus not only fulfilled that prophecy, but he embodies Micah's call for justice, mercy, and humility, bringing restoration and reconciliation through his l

The Rev. Kevin Parviz, pastor of Congregation Chai v’ Shalom in St. Louis, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Micah 4. In dramatic contrast to the warnings and judgments of chapter 3, Micah foresees a day when God will establish His kingdom in Jerusalem and bring lasting peace and justice to all nations. People worldwide will seek God's teaching and walk in His ways. War will cease, and weapons will become tools. Everyone will live securely and without fear. Zion will be exalted again as a source of instruction for the peoples. Micah, one of the few prophets of his time still faithful to God in Israel, rebukes the societal injustices of the Israelites and pronounces judgment on the wickedness of the religious and political leaders of the time. Notably, Micah is the prophet who foretells that the future messianic ruler will be born in Bethlehem. Jesus not only fulfilled that prophecy, but he embodies Micah's call for justice, mercy, and humility, bringing restoration and reconciliation through his

The Rev. Jim Daub, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Havelock, NC, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Micah 3. The prophet Micah condemns, in particular, the corrupt leaders of Judah and Israel for their injustice, greed, and failure to care for God's people. God declares woe upon the political and religious leaders who rule for their own gain, accept bribes, and refuse to seek justice and righteousness. Micah warns that because of their sins, Zion will be plowed as a field and Jerusalem will become a heap of ruins. Yet even in the midst of his warnings, Micah offers a message of hope for the future. Micah, one of the few prophets of his time still faithful to God in Israel, rebukes the societal injustices of the Israelites and pronounces judgment on the wickedness of the religious and political leaders of the time. Notably, Micah is the prophet who foretells that the future messianic ruler will be born in Bethlehem. Jesus not only fulfilled that prophecy, but he embodies Micah's call for justice

The Rev. Doug Griebenaw, pastor and Mission Advocate at KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Micah 2. The prophet continues his condemnation of injustice and social oppression prevalent in Israel. Through Micah, God denounces those who devise evil schemes and exploit the vulnerable, warning of the judgment that awaits them for their greed and cruelty. The chapter highlights how the powerful were confiscating land, displacing families, and disregarding God's principles of justice and compassion. Micah underscores that their actions will lead to their downfall and the loss of their ill-gotten gains. Micah, one of the few prophets of his time still faithful to God in Israel, rebukes the societal injustices of the Israelites and pronounces judgment on the wickedness of the religious and political leaders of the time. Notably, Micah is the prophet who foretells that the future messianic ruler will be born in Bethlehem. Jesus not only fulfilled that prophecy, but he embodies Micah's call for just

The Rev. Rick Jones, Chaplain and Vice President of Spiritual Life for the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, in, Minot, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Micah 1. This chapter sets the tone for the whole book, emphasizing the themes of judgment, retribution, and the need for repentance. Starting with an ominous proclamation of judgment against Samaria and Jerusalem, the prophet paints a vivid picture of impending destruction and upheaval, describing the coming devastation due to idolatry, corruption, and social injustices. Micah's message highlights God's righteous anger towards the people's disobedience and warns of the consequences they will face for their sins. Micah, one of the few prophets of his time still faithful to God in Israel, rebukes the societal injustices of the Israelites and pronounces judgment on the wickedness of the religious and political leaders of the time. Notably, Micah is the prophet who foretells that the future messianic ruler will be born in Bethlehem. Jesus not only fulf

Micah, one of the few prophets of his time still faithful to God in Israel, rebukes the societal injustices of the Israelites and pronounces judgment on the wickedness of the religious and political leaders of the time. Notably, Micah is the prophet who foretells that the future messianic ruler will be born in Bethlehem. Jesus not only fulfilled that prophecy, but he embodies Micah's call for justice, mercy, and humility, bringing restoration and reconciliation through his life, death, and resurrection. 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 underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the

The Rev. Ryan Fehrmann, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Wausau, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 15:42-16:20. Witness as the aftermath of Jesus's crucifixion unfolds dramatically. Joseph of Arimathea courageously lays Jesus in his tomb, yet three days later, the tomb is found empty, bewildering the women who came that morning to anoint his body. They encounter a radiant figure proclaiming Jesus's resurrection, setting off a chain of astonishing appearances. From encounters with Mary Magdalene to disciples journeying to Emmaus, and finally to the Eleven, Jesus confirms his victory over death. 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 ran

The Rev. Gregory Alms, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in Catonsville, MD, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 15:1-41. Jesus stands trial before Pilate, the Roman governor. Despite Pilate finding no fault in Jesus, the crowd demands his crucifixion, which fulfills the prophecy. This passage vividly describes Jesus’ excruciating journey to Golgotha, the mocking by soldiers, and the crucifixion itself. It captures the agony of Jesus and some of the reactions of those around him. Most importantly, we are given the opportunity to reflect on the profound significance of his sacrificial death. 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 r

The Rev. Dr. Richard Davenport, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church of Fort Smith, AR joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 14:53-72. This passage delves into the dramatic events following Jesus’ arrest in the garden of Gethsemane. It paints a vivid picture of the tumultuous night of Jesus' trial before the religious leaders in the courtyard of the High Priest’s house. As the events unfold, the spotlight turns to Peter, when he denies he knows Jesus three times just as Jesus had foretold. 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. 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.  This program originally aired October 19, 2023. 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

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?  This program originally aired October 18, 2023. 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 overb

The Rev. Phillip Fischaber, pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Walnut, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 14:26-52. This passage depicts the poignant moments leading up to Jesus' betrayal and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. After sharing the Last Supper with his disciples, Jesus foretells Peter's denial and leads them to Gethsemane to pray. Overwhelmed with sorrow, Jesus wrestles with the weight of his impending sacrifice while his disciples struggle to stay awake. Judas arrives, signaling Jesus' arrest with a kiss, leading to a brief but intense moment where a disciple draws a sword in defense, swiftly ended by Jesus. 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 suf

The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 14:1-25. In Bethany, a devoted woman anoints Jesus with costly perfume, much to the consternation of those like Judas who saw it as a waste. Then, even as Jesus faces betrayal by Judas and denial by His own disciples, He lovingly serves them at a final Passover meal where He institutes the Lord's Supper, declaring that the bread and wine is His body and blood, given and poured out for the forgiveness of sins. Despite the disciples' future abandonment, Jesus comforts them with this promise of salvation. 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 cr

The Rev. Peter Burfeind, pastor of Agnus Dei Lutheran Church in Marshall, MI & Our Savior Lutheran Church in Union City, MI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 13. Jesus delivers an urgent warning to his disciples about tumultuous events to come before his return - false messiahs, wars, natural disasters, persecution. He advises them to stay alert and steadfast in their faith despite the trials ahead because the Son of Man's return will be sudden and only the Father knows the hour. 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

The Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Churches in Pine Lawn, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 12:18-44. Jesus is challenged by the Sadducees regarding the concept of resurrection and then by one of the scribes on what the greatest commandment is. After Jesus rebuffs these challenges with his infinite wisdom, he then shames the ostentatious displays of wealth by the wealthy with the sacrificial giving of a poor widow. Jesus underscores the value of her humble offering, emphasizing that it surpasses the significance of the larger contributions. 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, accomplishin

The Rev. Jesse Baker, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Hardwick, MN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 11:27-12:17. The chief priests, scribes, and elders challenge Jesus' authority to teach and perform miracles. Jesus responds with a question about John the Baptist's authority, leaving them unable to answer. He then shares the parable of the tenants, illustrating God's rejection of Israel's religious leaders. The Pharisees and Herodians try to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes, but he cleverly responds, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." 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

The Rev. Thomas Eckstein, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 11:1-26. As Jesus rides triumphantly into Jerusalem on a colt, greeted by jubilant crowds waving palm branches, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. Yet, beneath the surface, tension simmers as Jesus confronts the religious establishment and challenges their practices. We then witness a powerful demonstration of Jesus' authority, as he curses a barren fig tree, and cleanses the temple, symbolizing the impending judgment. 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