Thy Strong Word From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Steven Theiss, vacancy pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, MO, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Philippians 4:2-23. “Rejoice in the LORD always; again I will say rejoice.”  Paul speaks these words after establishing “Whose we are.”  We are the blood bought ones “whose names are written in the book of life (v.5).”  This last chapter of Philippians pulls the whole book together of why he rejoices, is content, and is not anxious, even in prison. The LORD is with us (v.5), we can come to the LORD in prayer (v.6),  we have good things from God on which to focus (v.8-9), and He has provided people around us to encourage and unite us in Christ (Euodia, Syntyche, the true companion, Clement, Epaphroditus, & Caesar).  “Lord God, help us to rejoice in the good things from You.  Help us to be content and provide people to encourage us and that we may encourage others.  No matter the circumstance we know that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.  Amen”

Rev. Ingo Dutzmann of Harpswell, Maine, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Philippians 3:12-4:1. “Praise the LORD and pass the potatoes!”  Paul teaches us to rejoice in the “now and not yet.”  The Christian life is like a race--straining forward, forgetting what lies behind, and pressing on to the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  Yet, we hold onto the hope of heaven as we wait until the time of Christ who will transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body.  Until then, we “praise the LORD and pass the potatoes.”  “Lord God, as You have us here, give us peace, patience, and trust in Your promises in Christ that we love You and love others.  In everything fill us with Your Holy Spirit to grow in faith and praise to You.  In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Nathan Meador, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Plymouth, Wisconsin, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Philippians 3:1-11. Paul calls us to task about confidence.  Is our confidence in our own actions?  Paul responds, “Let me tell you about actions: circumcised, direct lineage to the Israelites—no mixing with other nations, follower of the law, persecutor of anyone outside of Judaism, and righteous in all my actions.”  Paul continues with a big “BUT” — but all of that is a wash, rubbish, a loss, and has no value compared to the surpassing righteousness of Christ’s cross that we receive in the gift of faith.  Simple, but also beyond comprehension.  Thanks be to God!  “Lord God, fill us to have our confidence in Your cross and righteousness alone.  Help us be faithful until our last breath and that we find our hope in Your grace, love, and forgiveness in Christ.  In Him alone, Amen”

Rev. Jeremy Klaustermeier, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Warrenton, Missouri, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Philippians 2:12-20. Paul is 800 miles from the Philippians, yet, he speaks to them as a beloved father speaks to his children.  Paul exhorts them to holy living by holding fast to the truth of Christ (be blameless & innocent without grumbling or dispute).  He reminds us also of the importance of fellow workers in the kingdom.  He will be sending both Timothy and Epaphroditus to Philippi soon, not only for their edification, but for his joy of knowing that God’s Word would continue to move forward.  In the same way, may we give thanks for the Word continuing to be proclaimed around the world and rejoice in His grace.  “Lord God, thank you for all workers who proclaim the Word and help us to hold fast to Christ’s promises and be blameless with our actions, not for our glory but for Your good pleasure.  In Christ, Amen”  

Rev. Thomas Eckstein of Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Philippians 2:1-11. Paul speaks clear words of our Lord Jesus.  “He made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant” and “He was highly exalted and bestowed on him the name that is above all names.”  Jesus did not come to be a nice guy, change a political structure, or give a few moral thoughts.  He came not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.  He calls us to have this same humble mind as we know that our Lord has had the victory and we follow in His name.  “Lord, Jesus Christ, thank you for being our example, savior, servant, and King.  As you laid aside your power for the sake of our forgiveness, we ask that You would give us humble hearts to look at others as more significant than ourselves.  All to Your glory.  Lord have mercy.  Amen”

Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Philippians 1:18b-30. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/wrestlingwiththebasics. “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”  Paul encompasses the reality of being a baptized child of God.  We may ask the question, “Why does God have me here?”  Paul assures the Philippians that when we are in Christ, we do not know why things happen, but we do know that in life we have Christ to serve others and to die is to be with the Lord.  Suffering may come, but in faith we trust that the Gospel will be advanced and joy comes with Him.  “Lord God, we bring all brothers and sisters in Christ, that we all live worthy of the Gospel and rejoice in all circumstances.  Lord have mercy, Amen”

Rev. John Schmidtke, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Philippians 1:1-18a. Paul gives thanks to the LORD for the church in Philippi for their partnership in the Gospel.  Despite his imprisonment, the Gospel had been advanced.  This advancement of the Gospel is proof of Paul’s words in Romans chapter 1, “The Gospel is the power of salvation for those who believe.”  As partakers of God’s grace, we rejoice that He has called us to Him in Christ and the honor of proclaiming His Truth.  “Heavenly Father, thank You for our salvation in Christ.  We humbly ask that You would use us in any circumstance so that the Gospel would be advanced.  Bring us together as the body of Christ to pray, encourage, & strengthen us in His work.  Amen”

Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Churches in Pine Lawn, MO joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Ephesians 6. Paul gives us instructions to a “holy order” for husbands/wives, children/parents, and bondservants/masters.  All of these orders are to God’s glory and in Him.  He also prepares us for battle with evil, the devil, and the present darkness with His armor: belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes with the gospel of peace, shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.  All of this He gives by His Word.  Stay strong in the LORD, brothers and sisters of Christ, and pray for all the saints.  “Lord God, cover us with Your armor that we may stay strong and keep us steadfast in Your Word.  Lord in Your mercy, Amen”

Rev. Curtis Deterding, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, Fort Myers, FL joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Ephesians 5:22-33. Paul lays out a holy order for marriage.  Wives submit to your husbands; husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church.  It sounds so simple, right?  It only takes a few verses to realize that we all need to repent and seek God’s grace in Christ.  Yet, Jesus never asks us to do something that He would not do Himself.  He has submitted to us by becoming nothing and going to the cross.  He has loved us to the point of death.  This love showers upon us to know that on this journey He will sustain strengthen, forgive, and bless our marriages as He first loved us.  “Lord Jesus Christ, help us to love as You first loved us.  Help husbands to have a sacrificial love for their wives and wives to submit and respect their husbands, all to Your glory and all by Your grace found in the cross.  Lord have mercy.  Amen”

Rev. Kevin Parviz of Congregation Chai V Shalom in St. Louis, Missouri, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Ephesians 5:1-21. Christ loves you and gave himself for you as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.  His love flows on us and He leads us to walk in His Light as sons of the LORD and not disobedience.  These words lead us to prayer that we may stay from the evils in the world, but also that He would fill us with His Holy Spirit by the Word.  “O Holy Spirit, keep us from sexual immorality, covetousness, impurity, filthy talk, crude joking, drunkenness, and fill us with You by Psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, and giving thanks to You for everything.  Lord have mercy.  Amen”

Rev. David Fleming of Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in Grand Rapids, MI & Executive Director of Spiritual Care with DOXOLOGY joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Ephesians 4:17-32. Learn more about DOXOLOGY at doxology.us. Christ has forgiven all of your sins.  Paul preaches that we are to put on a new self with exhortations to be done by the Holy Spirit: put away falsehood, speak truth, be angry but do not sin, be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving as Christ has forgiven you.  These are high callings, but the LORD will not leave you to do this alone but will give You power by His Holy Spirit.  We all need more truth, less anger, more kindness, tender people, and forgiveness from the hands of Christ.  “O LORD, fill us with Your grace that we may live a new life that puts away all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, and malice.  Lord help us.  In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Dan Eddy of Messiah Lutheran Church, Beloit, WI joins host Rev. Brady Finnern of Messiah Lutheran Church, Sartell, MN to study Ephesians 4. Our unity as Christians is founded on God: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  From our LORD He provides us with pastors to bring the precious gifts of Christ’s  forgiveness, life, and salvation by the Word to equip saints for His Work.  From His gift we are to be people of humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another, speaking  truth in love, and building each other up in love.  “LORD God, thank You for uniting us together as one in You and help us to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which You have called us in Christ.  Help us to be humble, gentle, patient, bearing with one another, speaking the truth in love, and building each other up in Christ.  In Your name, Amen.”

Rev. Kevin Parviz of Congregation Chai V Shalom in Dogtown, St. Louis, MO joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Ephesians 3. We love mysteries.  “Who done it?” “How did it happen?”  “Who is that masked man?”  Paul writes to the Ephesians revealing a mystery: that ALL nations are partakers in the promise in Christ Jesus.  The mystery is no longer a mystery and we have boldness and access to God the Father with confidence through faith in Christ. This solving of the mystery leads us to pray for the faith in Christ of others and for power from His Holy Spirit to be filled with all the fullness of God.  “O Holy Spirit, pour Your love into our hearts and others to believe in Christ and to give You all glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations.  Amen”

Rev. John Lukomski, host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Ephesians 2:11-22. Listen to on demand episodes of Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/wrestlingwiththebasics. Paul likes prepositions, “In Christ Jesus,” “in his flesh,” “in him,” “through him,” “in whom” and “in the LORD.”  He reminds us that we are saved through Him alone and He never leaves us.  But he also shows who we are connected with, the saints of Christ (v.19).  We are “being built together” by Christ our cornerstone as His people united in Him.  “Lord God, give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to have compassion on others as ones He died for and brought us together for His glory.  Amen”

Rev. Mark Jasa of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Pasadena, California joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Ephesians 2. You were dead----dead in sin and trespasses.  To be dead takes away all motivational aspirations.  Yet, Jesus is in the resurrection business.  He has made you alive only by His rich mercy.  This new life brings comfort that we are loved by our LORD, but also leads us to do the works He provides.  Works of love towards others and in love toward Him.  “O LORD, thank you for being the only source of our salvation by Your grace by Your grace through faith.  Help us to rest in that salvation and strengthen us to be workmen in Your kingdom.  In Christ, Amen” 

Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise, Executive Director of the Lutheran Heritage Foundation in Macomb, MI joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Ephesians 1:11-23. Learn more about the work of LHF at lhfmissions.org. Paul encourages unity in the Ephesian church by clearly proclaiming our Triune God and His authority in everything.  The Ephesian church was surrounded by other gods who required complete obedience and submission for salvation, such as Artemis, but it is our LORD Jesus who has all authority and gives Himself and His gifts to you.  What joy it is to know that no matter what happens, here or around the world, our church is the Lord’s Church and He will care for us.  “O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, by the mystery of the Trinity, You show us again Your power and the gifts You lavish upon us.  Thank you for truth, salvation, the seal of promise.  Bless the Church that we may be faithful to this grace and trust in You our Head.  Lord have mercy.  Amen”

Rev. Dr. Thomas Winger, President of Concordia Lutheran Seminary, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada & the author of the Concordia Commentary on Ephesians joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to begin our study of Ephesians, chapter 1:1-14. “In Him we have redemption through his blood...which he lavished upon us…”  Paul addresses the beloved Ephesian congregation to be united in Christ and see the divine action God has on his people: chosen, predestined, blessed, forgiven, and united by His blood.  Paul’s words are a reminder that we are all united by the blood of Christ and on account of Him we are saints, just like the Ephesians. “Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for the gift of grace by Your blood that unites us with the Father and one another.  Blessed be Your name that we may ever praise You and proclaim the truth of what You do.  In Your name.  Amen”

Rev. Jeremy Klaustermeier of St. John Lutheran Church in Warrenton, MO joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Galatians 6:1-18. Do not grow weary in doing good brothers and sisters in Christ.  God will reap a good harvest by His good gifts.  The LORD calls you to bear burdens to fulfill the law of Christ, but it is not you that does it but Christ who works through you.  As a new creation in Christ, we do good to everyone, especially those closest to us (home, church, neighborhood, and community).  “O LORD, thank you for making us a new creation in Christ. Help us to humbly do good for everyone and to boast in Your cross.  In Your name.  Amen”

Rev. Ross Shaver of Zion Lutheran Church in Nampa, ID joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Galatians 5:16-26. Walk by the Spirit and not the flesh.  It is our flesh, that which is separated from Christ and the Holy Spirit, that manifest in ways that lead us away from Christ.  But the Spirit, that is the Holy Spirit, bears fruit that point us to Christ and extends that fruit to others.  Receive His Spirit, walk by His Spirit, and live a new life in Him.  “O Holy Spirit, grant us love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, that we may glorify You in our bodies and in service to others.  In His name, Amen”

Rev. Jacob Heine of Faith Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Galatians 5:1-15. “For freedom Christ has set us free.”  Paul brings strong words to remind the Galatians, and us, that our confidence is in Christ, not in anything else.  To trust in anything else is to be severed from the LORD Himself.  This freedom we have on account of Christ grants us the opportunity to serve, love, and care for others.  As Christ first loved us, in love we serve one another.  “Lord Jesus, as You have set us free from sin, death, and the power of the devil, help us to use our freedom to serve others founded in Your love.  Lord have mercy.  Amen”