Thy Strong Word From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Dr. Walter Maier, III, professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 1:1-27. Who is next in line to be king?  David was near the end of his journey on earth and his oldest son, Adonijah, tried taking the throne against the will of God.  In one way, we can relate with the desire to do something we are convinced is right because WE want to do it, as opposed to what God desires.  We pray for the Holy Spirit to continuously show us what He calls us to do as His children and lead us to repentance and the forgiveness of sins on account of Christ.  “Lord God, strengthen us in our daily walk to live in accordance with Your Word and trust in Your forgiving grace won for us in Christ.  Amen”

When we think of kings, we may think of all-wise, upright, strong men who fairly rule the land with patience and love.  Yet, the stories of 1 and 2 Kings do not paint a heroic picture. Deception, idolatry, lies, and immorality summarizes the success of the kings of this era. The books of Kings were written for a greater purpose: to show a patient and merciful God. Join us these next few months as we slowly walk with the Kings in their failings, but we also receive the grace and forgiveness of a gracious God in Christ. Thy Strong Word 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 hosted by Rev. Brady Finnern, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Sartell, MN, and graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation.

Rev. Steven Theiss, vacancy pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, Missouri, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Psalm 150. Praise the LORD!  Praise the LORD where his name is given, praise Him where He has placed us, praise Him for He has done marvelous things through our Savior Jesus.  The Psalmist reminds us of our need to praise the LORD of all creation and shows us the gifts He gives to do so: our bodies, trumpets, lute, harp, tambourines, and even dancing ;-).  “O Lord God, open our mouths to praise You and help us to use our bodies to give sacrifices of praise.  Open our ears to hear everything that has breath praises You.  And open our eyes to see all that You provide to give You the praise in many and various ways.  In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Dr. Timothy Saleska, professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Psalm 1. The Psalms are what God gives to us as we wait for Him.  In Psalm 1, the LORD shows us that we are blessed as He knows and has chosen us.  He compares the righteous to a tree by streams of water.  Our connection to the LORD is a delight because He bears the fruit of faith.  We pray that the LORD would keep us from all evil that we may meditate on His law both day and night.  “Lord God, thank you for choosing us to be blessed on account of Christ.  You have planted us like a tree to bear the fruit of faith and we ask that You would keep us in Your righteousness and bring the wicked back to You.  In Christ, Amen”

Rev. John Lukomski, host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Thessalonians 3. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/wrestlingwiththebasics. The Christian life is not idle.  Paul tells the Thessalonians to keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness, even going as far as to say that if one is not willing to work they should not eat.  Paul challenges us to live an active Christian life centered on the grace of Christ through prayer and service to others.  All of this active work is done while standing on the foundation of our Lord who is faithful.    “Lord God, we bring to You those who labor in Your vineyard.  Bear fruit by Your Word that it may be honored and speed ahead to bring faith around the world.  Christ has mercy.  Amen”

Rev. George Murdaugh, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Douglasville, GA, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Thessalonians 2. Paul points the Thessalonians to what really matters: the comfort and good hope through God’s grace in Christ.  There were rumors in Thessalonica that Christ had already returned, but the end will not come until the man of lawlessness is revealed.  He will be the son of destruction, he will oppose God, and he will say that he is God, but do not be afraid, Christ will have the final victory.  The comfort of God’s grace in Christ’s victory will strengthen them in trial and strengthen us today.  “Lord Jesus Christ, You have had the victory and have called us to be Your own.  Give us comfort, center us back to the revealed Word, and free us to serve in word and deed to Your glory.  In Your name, Amen”  

Rev. Scott Adle, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville, Illinois, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Thessalonians 1. “We always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power.”  Paul gives thanks for the Thessalonians’ faith in the LORD and their steadfastness in Christ during persecution.  He reminds the church that the LORD will have vengeance on those who persecute and that believers will be glorified according to His grace.  In response, we pray for believers to stay with the LORD and that by His Holy Spirit He would turn hard hearts to Him.  “O Holy Spirit, pour Your love into our hearts that we may be steadfast in Christ and that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified.  In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Dr. Steven Schave, Director of LCMS Urban & Inner City Mission and LCMS Church Planting, and co-host of the Mission Field: USA podcast, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28. Find LCMS Urban & Inner City Mission at lcms.org/urban. Learn more about LCMS Church Planting at lcms.org/churchplanting, and find the Mission Field: USA podcast at kfuo.org/missionfieldusa. Paul lovingly provides final instructions to the saints.  Whether it is respect to those who labor in the Word, encouragement for the fainthearted, help for the weak, rejoicing always, or testing everything by the Word, Paul desires that everyone may know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.  We pray the same for our church family, neighbors, and family members, as we know that this grace is sufficient and he desires all to be saved.  “Lord God, shower Your grace upon us, our friends, family, and churches.  As You have made us holy by the blood of Christ, give us the gift of joy, thanksgiving, service, faithfulness

Rev. Nabil Nour of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hartford, SD, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11. “Did you hear what happened overseas? We must be near the end.”  We hear these words almost every year.  They must have had the same concerns in Thessalonica as Paul emphasizes that we do not know when Jesus will return, but know who you are.  You are children of the light and salvation is yours in Christ.  Be prepared by faith and build each other up as “Paraclete people” instead of trying to predict what God will do.  “O Holy Spirit, renew us as encouraged people as children of the light so that we encourage others by building them up in Christ.  Keep us from pursuing questions of which we have no answers, but help us to focus on what we do know—Salvation in Christ Jesus.  O LORD come quickly.  Amen”

Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Churches in Pine Lawn, MO, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. “We do not want you to be uninformed brothers.” Paul continues to lovingly teach the saints at Thessalonica and gives them words of encouragement in preparation for the Lord’s return.  To think about Jesus’ 2nd coming can be quite terrifying, but Paul speaks with the resurrection of Christ at the center.  We cling to the clear words of Scripture that state, “Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ is coming again.”  “Lord Jesus Christ, as You have conquered death and the devil, we look with hope in You as we wait for Your 2nd coming.  Keep our focus on the cross and empty tomb as we face the trials of this broken world, and help us to encourage each other knowing that You will come again to bring us to You.  In Your name, Amen” For more information concerning our understanding of the end times click here  for our Commission on Theology and Church Relations

Rev. Keith Weise of Good Shepherd Lutheran Communities, Sauk Rapids, MN joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12. “For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.”  It is God’s will that we live a sanctified, holy life according to the 6th commandment.  All sins are equal in God’s eyes, but not all sins are equally destructive.  Paul warns of the destructive nature of adultery and immorality that not only affects our relationships, but our relationship with God.  “O Holy Spirit, lead us to holy living that we live a sexually pure and decent life to the honor of ourselves, but also to Your glory.  In Your name, Amen”

Rev. Curtis Deterding, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, Florida, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13. Paul’s words are broken down into three sections.  First, he grieves that he was from Thessalonica and longed to be together again---face to face.  Secondly, he expresses joy over the steadfast faith of the Thessalonians even under temptation of the evil one.  Finally, he prays for the Thessalonians to endure in faith and love towards one another until Christ returns.  “Lord god, unite us with other Christians so that we may see each other face to face soon.  Provide us with stories of how Your word is at work around the world.  Grant us endurance to prevail over the temptations of the evil one.  In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Dennis McFadden of Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Thessalonians 2. We hear and feel another example of the “Pastoral Paul.”  He speaks of his love for the Thessalonians as he labored among them in trial and persecution and, like a loving father and mother, desires that they would continue to grow in the Christ and His Word.  We pray for the same of our loved ones, neighbors, and members of our churches.  “O Lord God, keep us steadfast in Your Word.  Enlighten the hearts of ministers to care for each soul with Your Word, strengthen believers even in persecution, and change the hearts of unbelievers to confess Your Son as Lord.  In His name, Amen”

Rev. Jacob Heine, Pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Topeka, Kansas, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Thessalonians 1. Paul gives thanks to the LORD for the Thessalonians.  He gives thanks for the gift of faith, hope, and love given to them by our LORD.  Paul’s time in Thessalonica did not appear to be fruitful, but by the Holy Spirit people believed and the church grew throughout their region.  Paul reminds all of us that it is by God’s love that we are chosen and made holy all on account of Christ.  “Lord God, help us to be thankful.  Thankful for Your work on the cross and thankful for the gift of faith given to others.  This Holy Week, fix our eyes on Jesus once again as You show us the center of our faith---the cross and the empty tomb.  In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Ryan Fehrmann, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Wausau, WI joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Colossians 4:2-18. Paul gives his final instructions and greetings.  Continue steadfast in prayer.  Pray that the LORD would open a door for the Gospel of Christ’s full and free forgiveness to be declared and our words may be gracious, seasoned with salt.  This is a tall order, but not only will God give You His Holy Spirit and He gives you fellow believers.  Paul shows us that we need not be lone rangers.  He had Tychicus, Onesimus, Mark, Justus, Epaphras, Demas, Nympha, and Archippus, not only for encouragement to one another, but also to spread the Word around.  “Lord God, surround us with fellow Christians to serve You and love others.  Give us lips to pray, give You praise, and encourage one another as if it is seasoned with salt.  Lord have mercy.  In Christ, Amen.”

Rev. Lucas Witt, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Baltimore, MD joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Colossians 3:12-4:1. You are God’s chosen one, holy and beloved.  As you have been chosen, He has called us to live in accordance with His gracious will.  Paul gives us important instructions on how to live as the body of Christ (kindness, compassion, meekness, forgiving), in the home (submission, love, & obedience), and in our working relationships (service and justice).  The words of Paul lead us to ask the questions, “How can I serve as one washed, redeemed, and made holy in Christ?”  “How can I serve my family?”  “How can I serve in my area of work?”  “Lord God, as Your chosen and holy ones by the blood of Christ, help us to be compassionate, forgiving, loving, subservient, obedient, and servants to those You have brought before us.  Lord have mercy, In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Kevin Martin, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Colossians 3:1-11. Christ has raised you to new life.  It is no longer I who live, dead to sin, but Christ who lives in me.  We all have temptations to seek worldly ways: immorality, evil desires, anger, malice, coveting.  Our modern day tends to act as if “you can’t change.”  But Paul reminds us that change is possible, you can glorify God with your body and your words, put off the old self as Christ clothes you with the new self.  Christ is all and in all---you were baptized into Him.  “Lord God, thank You for bringing us to death in repentance and raising us to new life in Christ.  Give us Your grace and power that we may glorify You with our bodies in word and deed that others may see our good works and give glory to YOU.  In Christ, Amen”

Rev. John Lukomski, host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio joins host Rev. Brady Finnern of Messiah Lutheran Church, Sartell, MN to study Colossians 2. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/wrestlingwiththebasics. The pastoral Paul comes out front and center.  He grieves the false teaching the Colossians were receiving.  He addresses these concerns with a rich teaching of Christ’s deity, a powerful preaching of the fullness of death and resurrection in baptism, and an exhortation not to treat traditions as anything other than a tradition.  Our Lord Jesus has made you alive in Christ, fully forgiven, and our sins were nailed to the cross not for us to take down!  “Lord God, keep us steadfast to right teaching.  Keep us faithful to the fullness of Your mercy and grace in Christ, the truth of who You are, and resting in the truth that You have canceled our record of debt to make us alive in You.  In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Dr. Lane Burgland of Churubusco, Indiana joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Colossians 1:15-29. Find his book at "Reading the Bible with Understanding" cph.org/p-1615-Reading-the-Bible-with-Understanding.aspx. “It’s all about Jesus!”  Paul proclaims a creedal type of sermon by showing us that Christ is above all things, not only the church, but also everything that is visible & invisible, thrones & dominions, rulers & authorities.  How does He use this authority?  He reconciles us to the Father and makes peace by His cross.  Suffering will come.  Paul rejoices even in that suffering.  Our LORD Jesus knows our suffering and powerfully works in us (v.29).  “Lord Jesus, You show Your authority by reconciling us to You and making peace by Your forgiveness, thank You for giving us this grace and help us endure suffering with grace by Your power.  In Your name, Amen”

Rev. Dr. Paul Deterding, pastor and teacher at St. Paul Lutheran High School in Concordia, Missouri joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to begin our study of Colossians. Faith & hope needs a source.  The church in Colossae had faith and hope, but the source was wrong.  A source based on knowledge and a denial of physical realities.  Their pastor, Epaphras, had visited Paul while in jail and expressed concern that the church had focused more on knowledge than their incarnate, crucified, and physically risen Savior.  Paul encourages the Colossians to re-focus their attention on the content of their faith & hope, Christ and Him crucified, because from that content they receive real redemption, that is, forgiveness in Christ.  “Lord Jesus Christ, Your incarnation, death, resurrection, body and blood is where our hope is founded.  By Your Holy Spirit, keep us grounded in the true faith so that Your love will be given to others.  In Your name, Amen”