Thy Strong Word From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Peter Schmidt, pastor of Beautiful Savior, Waukesha, WI joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 4. The author gives us a whole list of Solomon’s cabinet as he led all of Israel.  A wise leader understands that they can not do it alone, but God provides people around us to use His gifts to His glory.  God also gave Solomon wisdom to understand all of His creation (proverbs, songs, cedars, hyssop, beasts, birds, reptiles, and fish).  We can do the same today.  To be life-long learners of His creation, remember that all righteousness, redemption, sanctification, and wisdom is found in Christ.  “Heavenly Father, grant us Your wisdom to humbly learn and teach the truths of Your creation, knowing that in Christ we have the fullness of wisdom now and forever.  Amen”

Rev. John Rickert, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Newark, Delaware, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 3:16-28. Each day we are presented with ethical questions and conflict to be resolved.  King Solomon was presented with the most conflicted situation anyone could imagine.  By God’s grace, Solomon was able to give proper judgment as to fair and in accordance with God’s Word.  We pray that He would grant us wisdom so that others may see our witness and give Him the praise.  “Lord God, Heavenly Father, as we are presented with conflict, give us solutions that are in accordance with Your Word and point others to the reconciliation with You that we have in Christ.  In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Brain Davies, pastor of Lord of Glory Lutheran Church in Grayslake, IL, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 3:1-15. What do you seek from the LORD?  Our prayers will often function like a vending machine.  “Please grant me ________.” And we wait to see if he gives it.  We seek the tangible: health, protection, providence, and healing.  Yet, when Solomon was given the opportunity to ask for whatever he desired, he asked for wisdom.  Wisdom to rule Israel and the wisdom of faith.  We know that wisdom is manifested in Christ who is our righteousness, sanctification, redemption, and our wisdom.  “O Lord God, grant us wisdom to live a holy life in Christ and keep us in the one faith under His name and to be wise unto salvation.  In Him, Amen” If you are grateful for Thy Strong Word, consider supporting KFUO Radio with a gift today so that we can continue broadcasting the Gospel of Christ to listeners worldwide. Give now at kfuo.org/give or text KFUO to 41444.

Rev. Nathan Meador, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Plymouth, Wisconsin, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 2:13-46. All Adonijah wanted to do was get married, right?  Solomon’s reign in his kingdom had begun after David’s death.  As requested by David before his passing, there were some that needed to be taken care of.  There had been disobedience and sin on the part of Adonijah, Shimei, and Joab and when there is sin there must be blood.  This points us to the depth of our own sin and gratefulness that it is the blood of Christ that saves and cleanses us from all unrighteousness.  “O Holy Spirit, lead us to repentance and to receive Your free and full forgiveness.  Help us to be humble and to serve you in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness. Lord have mercy.  Amen” 

Rev. Peter Lange, First Vice President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 2:1-12. What words do you want to share with your family before you leave this world?  David clearly had reflected on this question as he spoke to his son, Solomon, before his death.  He proclaims to Solomon what was most important, “Be strong and keep the charge of the LORD.”  David points Solomon back to the Word of God (statutes, commandments, rules, and testimonies) where he will find hope, strength, and wisdom.  “Lord God, give us the words to speak to our families of what is most important: Christ and Him crucified.  Help us to live holy lives so that others may see our good works and give glory to You.  In Him, Amen”  

Rev. David Boisclair of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Church in Pine Lawn, MO joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 1:28-53. Our plans are not our own.  Adonijah appointed himself to be king, but David and the LORD had different plans--Solomon.  Our plans are not always God’s plan, most likely they aren’t even close.  We move forward by faith trusting in the promises that we do know: Christ and Him crucified.  “Lord God, as You lead us forward in this broken world, we pray that You would help us remember that You are our King and our eternal promise in Christ gives us more than any of our well thought out plans.  In Your name, Amen”

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”