Thy Strong Word From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Adam Degroot, Calvary Lutheran Church, Rio Ranch, NM joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study I Kings 21. Ahab wants a vegetable garden, it seems reasonable, but he is willing to do whatever it takes to get it.  One sin leads to another sin.  Coveting leads to lies which leads to murder which leads to stealing which leads to a denial of the LORD.  By God’s grace, Ahab was led to repentance and realizing his need for the LORD.  We pray for the same.  Although sin leads us to even greater sin, God’s grace in Christ leads us to complete forgiveness and salvation.  “Lord God, keep us from sin and pour Your love into our hearts by Your Holy Spirit to rest in Your grace and live holy lives.  In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Dave Hinz of Trinity Lutheran Church, Sauk Rapids, MN joins host, Rev. Brady Finnern, to study I Kings 20. Ahab did not have a good track record, but yet the LORD still sent a prophet to him so that “you shall know that I am the LORD.” The Scriptures remind us that God provides daily bread to everyone, without prayers, even to all evil people. If He provides and comes to unbelieving people, that means He also will come to You. He comes to You to bring comfort but also to remind You to turn back to Him as He has given us all things in Christ’s death and resurrection. “Lord God, our track record is no better than Ahab. Bring us to repentance and come to us again with Your forgiveness won for us on the cross. Lord have mercy. Amen”

Rev. Steven Theiss, vacancy pastor, Immanuel Lutheran Church, New Wells, MO joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study I Kings 19. Why in the world is Elijah afraid? He saw the LORD have the victory over 850 prophets, but now Queen Jezebel threatens his life and he runs? It is clear that although the battle was done, the war continued on. Elijah saw what we all see: sin continually seems to prevail. In his frustrations and weakness, the LORD provided Elijah with what he needed (bread, water, the Word, and people) to continue in His work. He does the same for us as we serve in the assurance that “he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” “Lord God, sin will always be among us. Grant us Your continual forgiveness by the blood of Christ and provide what we need to faithfully work in Your kingdom. In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Dennis McFadden of Fort Wayne, Indiana joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study I Kings 18. It is like a good old western film, “Meet me at high noon and we will see who comes out victorious.”  Elijah has called the 850 prophets of false gods for a showdown against the LORD.  What Ahab and others didn’t understand was that a blind, deaf, and mute gods can not give forgiveness or salvation no matter how long you pray or sacrifice yourself.  Elijah challenges us to not limp between two opinions.  There is one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, follow Him for He hears your prayers, sees your sins yet still died for you, and speaks His forgiveness to You on account of Christ.  “Lord God, thank You for proving once again that You are the one true God through Elijah.  Help us to know and speak the Truth, that in Christ, we are Your forgiven and loved children.  Lord have mercy. Amen”

Rev. Nabil Nour of Trinity Lutheran, Hartford, SD joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study I Kings 18:1-19. “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”  These words from John the baptist rings in our ears as we see the persistent lack of repentance from Ahab.  Even after 3 years and six months of drought, Ahab refuses to turn to the LORD.  Elijah comes back on the scene with a confrontation, much like a good Western film, and they are about to meet up on Mt. Carmel---850 vs. 1, many gods vs. the One true God, A whole nation vs. one man.  Who will be victorious?  We know the answer, which reminds us the victory we have in our Lord Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15:57).  “Lord God, grant us repentance by Your Holy Spirit that we may incline our hearts to you and trust that Your way and Your truth is above anything else.  Lord have mercy.  Amen”

Rev. David Boisclair of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Church in Pine Lawn, MO joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 17. Elijah was in a drought, famine, and presented with death and the LORD provided.  He provided sustenance at the beaks of ravens, food with a small amount of flour and oil, and a resurrection of a boy.  In the same way, the LORD provides for us “with all that I need to support this body and life.”  We pray for faith to trust that His promises are true, especially knowing that one day all will be resurrected and all believers in the name of Jesus will go to be with Him.  “Lord God, we pray for You to provide for all of our needs.  Help us, by Your grace, to trust in You when tragedy comes.  Lord have mercy, in the name of Christ.  Amen”

Rev. Keith Lingsch of Grace Lutheran Church, Naples, FL joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 15 & 16. The common words of these chapters, “And he walked in all the sins that his father did before him.”  Reminds us of how many sins are so easy to follow, especially when modeled by our family.  These sins led to more brokenness, war with other nations, and idolatry.  The main issue for all the kings was a lack of faith in Yahweh to provide.  We have the issue: a lack of faith.  We address the sins that we are tempted to commit with repentance and faith.  “Lord God, Heavenly Father, send the Holy Spirit that we may repent of our sins, receive Your forgiveness, and by Your power live a holy Christian life.  Keep us from the sins of previous generations that we may love You and one another.  In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Tom Eckstein of Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 14. It does not end well for the kings of Israel and Judah. Their sins followed them and it affected others. Without our ascended Lord Jesus, our ending is no different than that of Jeroboam’s people, but in repentance and faith in Christ, we are deemed worthy to be with Him. Our trust is not in any king like Jeroboam or Rehoboam, but in the King of Kings who we give thanks this Ascension day that He reigns over all things. “O Lord Jesus Christ, our ascended LORD, may we also ascend in heart and mind and continually dwell there with You. Lord have mercy. Amen”

Rev. John Shank of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 13. Whose word has authority? A prophet? A king? A man of God? The only word that had authority in chapter 13 is the Word of the LORD. We see the Word powerfully bring restoration and He invites us to return to Him for His forgiving healing and mercy. Only one man has ALWAYS spoken the truth, always spoke the Word of the LORD, and carried His cross even to death---our true Prophet, Priest, and King Jesus. “Lord Jesus Christ, You have authority over the devil, the world, and death,  Keep us steadfast in Your Word that we, who are weak, may cling to Your Word and trust in Your promises.  In Your name. Amen”

Rev. John Lukomski, host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 12. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/wrestlingwiththebasics. The kingdom of Israel was no longer divided.  Although it was a long time coming, it grieved the people and us to see.  It shows us the division that can occur in any place (work, home, & church).  This division is true in our relationship with the LORD.  True unity with God only comes through Christ’s death for sinners like us.  We pray for unity in His name and seek Him whose name is above all names.  “Lord Jesus Christ, as You took all the sin of the world upon Yourself, we pray that we may look to You to bring healing and reconciliation to our divisions.  We thank You for the restoration with God the Father by Your cross and seek Your help to live holy lives in service to others.  In Your name.  Amen”  

Rev. Warren Woerth of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Arnold, MO joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 11. Well, that escalated quickly!  Solomon goes from praying and giving praises to the LORD with all the riches in the kingdom to a complete denial of the one, True God.  This is a humbling reminder to all of us that our lives are of repentance and asking the LORD to incline our hearts back to Him.  “Lord Jesus Christ, You have saved us, not by silver or gold, but by Your holy, precious blood, and Your innocent suffering and death.  Send Your Holy Spirit that our hearts stay inclined to You and we are brought to You that final day.  In Your name, Amen”

Rev. David Boisclair of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Church in Pine Lawn, MO joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 10. The LORD had greatly blessed Solomon with wisdom, wealth, and faithful servants.  The word had gotten out around the nations, even over 1,000 miles away.  The nations held Solomon in high regard and it seemed as if he and the Israelites were unstoppable.  As we know that “the love of money is the root of all evil”, we can almost predict that a fall was inevitable.  We ask the LORD to help us to use His gifts to His glory. “Lord Jesus Christ, as You have been the greatest giver, help us to use our gifts---large or small---to give glory to You and in service to others as You serve us.  In Your name, Amen”

Rev. Curtis Deterding, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, FL, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 9. The LORD appeared to Solomon a second time, I Kings 3:5 was the first.  He brings beautiful words of promise, “I have heard your prayer”, “I will be putting my name there forever”, and in faith, “I will establish your throne over Israel forever.”  Yet, there is a big “IF” inserted.  If he is not faithful, there will be destruction, slavery, and disaster.  The LORD shows the seriousness of our sins.  Our sins can lead us away from Him, which not only separates us from our loving God now, but can also separate us from Him forever.  Thanks be to God in Christ whose love is beyond any love on earth, may He help us to rest in that grace.  “O Holy Spirit, incline our hearts back to You.  Keep us in the one true faith that we may find rest for our souls and trust in Your powerful name.  In Your name, Amen”

Rev. David Fleming, associate pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Executive Director of Spiritual Care with DOXOLOGY, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 8:54-66. Learn more about DOXOLOGY and the Respite Retreats for pastors at doxology.us. Solomon blessed and made peace offerings for God’s people. He asked the LORD to be with them, to keep them in the faith, and that the Word may be near to them. This is our prayer for ourselves, our families, and our church. The next time your pastor gives the benediction at the end of service, pay extra attention to the enactment of God’s Word for you and receive this good gift of blessing from Him. “Lord God, Heavenly Father, as You blessed the Israelites through Solomon, bless us by placing Your name upon us. Be near us, keep us in the faith, and the Word be near to our hearts. Lord help us. Amen”

Rev. Kevin Parviz of Congregation Chai V Shalom, St. Louis, Missouri joins host Rev. Brady Finnern of Messiah Lutheran, Sartell, MN to study 1 Kings 8:22-53. It’s time to pray.  Solomon stood before the Lord’s altar with all of Israel and pleaded with the LORD.  He asked for the Lord’s mercy to help them be faithful as He was faithful, faith for the unbelievers, forgiveness when we sin, and providence in all trials (especially in famine, pestilence, blight, drought, and battle).  We ask the LORD to help us to pray to Him who if faithful, not just in case brokenness comes because it will.  “O Holy Spirit, help us to pray as sin comes before us.  When this occurs, give us the words of Solomon that we may look to You and that Your grace will be upon us.  Lord have mercy.  Amen”

Rev. Jason Shockman of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, West Salem, WI joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 8:1-21. The temple is ready.  The ark of the covenant is in the Holy Place and leaders and many nations gather to see the place that God would dwell.  Solomon reminds the people that it is the LORD that keeps HIs promises and they are able to see God’s handiwork that brings hope for the future.  We pray for the same reflection to remember that God keeps His promises and we can look forward in hope that our temple, the LORD JESUS, is the final sacrifice for our sins.  “Lord God, You dwell among us, and in a world that does not keep their promise, You are faithful until the end.  Point our eyes back to You that we may live according to Your will.  In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Timothy Sims of St. John Lutheran Church in Chester, IL joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 7:13-51. Bronze pillars, stands, sea of cast metal, oxen, cherubim, palm trees, and lions...oh my.  The LORD gave Solomon a very detailed list of furnishings to assure that everyone knew where to be made clean by the water and the bloody sacrifices.   In the Temple everything was covered by gold, showing the purity and sacredness of God’s presence.  We may not have churches made of gold, but we do have the presence of our LORD whose blood cleanses us from all sin.  Come into the presence of the LORD around the Word to receive a glimpse of what it was like in the Temple and what it will be like in heaven.

Rev. Gregory Alms of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Catonsville, MD joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 7:1-12. The Temple has been built after seven years of work.  As Solomon was a King he was to make a place to live, work, and care for his family.  It reminds us much of our own country’s political centers: The White House, the Capital, the supreme court chambers, the house, and the senate.  These places are  where the LORD guides our nations to keep order and peace.  Paul encourages Timothy to pray for everyone, especially kings and all who are in high positions, so should we pray for our leaders and ask for the same wisdom that the LORD granted to Solomon.  “Heavenly Father, we bring to You our political leaders: President, Vice-President, Governors, Senators, Congressmen, and local leaders.  As they do Your work of keeping order, fill them with wisdom and faith.  Lord have mercy.  Amen”

Rev. Matthew Ruesch of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Kingsford, Michigan, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 6. 480 years after the Israelites left Egypt, the temple was finally being built.  We see the intricate details of the building of the sanctuary, nave, holy place that has shaped how we build our modern-day churches.  God set aside a place for people to be around the Holy Things and today He has set aside the places (Word, Water, and Bread)  where He promises to give His gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation.  “Lord God, as You promised to be present with Your people in the temple, we give You thanks that You are present with us by Your gifts.  Help us to hold Your Word sacred and gladly hear and learn it.  Lord have mercy.  Amen”

Rev. John Lukomski, host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 5. Find Wrestling with the Basics episodes at kfuo.org/wrestlingwiththebasics. Solomon’s calling is clear: Build the Temple (2 Samuel 7:13).  To accomplish this goal God uses people outside of Israel like in Sidon and Tyre.  As a construction crew needs to prepare to build a home, God prepared the Israelites for His holy place.  We pray that God would continue to prepare the way of the LORD (Isaiah 40:3), prepare us for good works (Ephesians 2:10), and be prepared to make a defense for the hope this is in us (I Peter 3:15).  “Lord Jesus Christ, by Your Holy Spirit keep us in the true faith.  Prepare us to withstand the temptations of the evil one and may our eyes keep centered on You, our true temple.  Lord have mercy.  Amen”