Thy Strong Word From Kfuo Radio

The Rev. Dr. Mike Nielsen, pastor of Salem Lutheran Church in Barron, WI joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 6:7-29. Jesus sends out his disciples on a mission of preaching and healing, but the passage takes a dark turn with the chilling account of John the Baptist's beheading. This juxtaposition between the disciples' empowered mission and John's tragic end highlights the profound challenges and sacrifices faced by those who bear witness to the truth, making it a riveting exploration of the cost of discipleship and the clash between spiritual purpose and worldly power. 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 wha

The Rev. Christopher Maronde, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Hastings, IA, and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oakland, IA joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 5:21-6:6. This passage opens with Jairus, a desperate synagogue leader, seeking Jesus' help to save his dying daughter. Interrupting this urgent mission is a miraculous encounter with a woman who has suffered from a chronic ailment for twelve years takes center stage, illustrating the profound impact of unwavering faith. This passage culminates with Jesus' return to his hometown of Nazareth, where his wisdom and authority face resistance and disbelief from those who knew him as a young carpenter. 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. Ye

The Rev. Steven Theiss, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 4:35-5:20. Jesus and his disciples embark on a journey by boat across the Sea of Galilee. Midway, they encounter a violent storm, illustrating the power of Jesus to command nature. Upon reaching the other side, they are met by a man possessed by a legion of demons, residing among the tombs and exhibiting incredible strength. In a dramatic confrontation, Jesus casts out the demons and restores the man to sanity. These events serve as a compelling testament to Jesus’ divinity and his mission to bring healing and restoration to the broken. 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

The Rev. Roger Mullet, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Buffalo, WY, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 4:1-34. Jesus teaches in parables to crowds by the sea, relating the parable of the Sower, the lamp on a stand, the growing seed, and the mustard seed. He explains the purpose of parables to his disciples, and interprets the parable of the Sower, describing how the word takes root in those who hear. After dismissing the crowds, we learn that Jesus taught publicly in parables but explained them privately to his disciples. The question is, why? 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 no

The Rev. Ben Maton, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Charlottesville, Virginia, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 3:7-35. As Jesus and his disciples withdraw near the Sea of Galilee, huge crowds follow from all over. Jesus heals the sick and casts out demons while reminding people not to make him known for his time had not yet come. He appoints the twelve disciples, granting them authority to preach and cast out demons. Meanwhile, teachers of the law from Jerusalem accuse Jesus of working by the power of Satan rather than the Spirit of God. Jesus warns his hearers against blaspheming the Holy Spirit and reminds them that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. 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 h

The Rev. Dr. Burnell Eckardt, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Kewanee, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 2:12-3:6. Jesus calls the tax collector Levi to follow him, and Levi hosts a dinner for Jesus with many other sinners. When questioned by Pharisees for associating with such people, Jesus declares he has come for the sick, not the righteous. He is then questioned for allowing his disciples to pluck grain on the Sabbath to eat. Jesus responds by declaring himself the Lord of the Sabbath. Entering the synagogue on another Sabbath, Jesus heals a man's withered hand as the Pharisees watch to accuse him of unlawful action. Angered by Jesus' disregard for tradition, the Pharisees begin plotting with the Herodians how they might destroy him. 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

The Rev. Luke Brown, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Ellsworth, Kansas, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 1:21-2:12. This section begins with Jesus' teaching in a synagogue in Capernaum, where his authoritative and powerful teaching amazes the people. During his sermon, he exorcises an unclean spirit from a man, further demonstrating his divine authority. Jesus then heals Simon Peter's mother-in-law, and the news of his miraculous deeds spreads rapidly. In response to the growing crowds seeking his healing and teachings, Jesus moves on to the next town. After he returns, Jesus heals a paralyzed man, telling him his sins are forgiven before miraculously curing his disability, lowered down through a roof by his friends. This riles up the Pharisees who accuse Jesus of blasphemy. 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

The Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Churches in Pine Lawn, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 1:1-20. The gospel of Mark wastes no time launching into the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. This chapter introduces John the Baptist, a prophet sent to prepare the way for Christ's arrival. When Jesus comes to the Jordan to be baptized, a voice from heaven declares Him God's beloved Son. Immediately thereafter, Jesus is compelled by the Spirit into the wilderness where He undergoes temptation by Satan. Emerging victorious, Jesus travels to Galilee to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God.  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 d

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.  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 thr

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?  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 overboard and swallowed by a great fish. But there's much

The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Joshua 24. The curtain falls on Joshua's leadership as he has assembled the Israelites at Shechem. With the Promised Land secured and challenges met Joshua delivers his final address, underscoring the pivotal choice between serving the one true God or following false idols. “Choose this day whom you will serve!” This often-misapplied verse emphasizes the theme of this chapter, which encapsulates Joshua's legacy, a testament to unwavering faith and obedience, echoing throughout generations. The Book of Joshua is a compelling account of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. It narrates their journey from the crossing of the Jordan River to the triumphant capture of the Promised Land. Filled with military campaigns, divine guidance, and moments of faith and obedience, this book underscores the fulfillment of God's promises and the importance of unwavering commitment

The Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the Joshua 23. The aging leader, Joshua, has gathered the Israelites at Shechem, the sacred ground of their forefathers' covenant with God. With Canaan conquered, Joshua imparts his final counsel, emphasizing the crucial balance of faith and obedience, urging the people to remain steadfast in their covenant with the Almighty. This chapter encapsulates Joshua's legacy of unwavering leadership and serves as a timeless testament to the enduring power of faith. The Book of Joshua is a compelling account of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. It narrates their journey from the crossing of the Jordan River to the triumphant capture of the Promised Land. Filled with military campaigns, divine guidance, and moments of faith and obedience, this book underscores the fulfillment of God's promises and the importance of unwavering commitment to their divine mission. It stands

The Rev. Robert Paul, associate pastor and headmaster of Memorial Lutheran Church and School in Houston, TX, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Joshua 22. This chapter takes us to the eastern side of the Jordan River, where the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh have settled. As they prepare to return to their own lands, they erect an altar at the river's edge, sparking fears of apostasy among the other tribes in the Promised Land. Poised for war, a delegation is sent to discern their motives before attacking. Have these tribes strayed from worshiping the one true God? The Book of Joshua is a compelling account of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. It narrates their journey from the crossing of the Jordan River to the triumphant capture of the Promised Land. Filled with military campaigns, divine guidance, and moments of faith and obedience, this book underscores the fulfillment of God's promises and the importance of unwavering commitment to their d

The Rev. Keith Lingsch, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Naples, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Joshua 20 and 21. In Joshua 20, we witness the establishment of six cities of refuge strategically located throughout the land, providing sanctuary for those who accidentally took another's life, ensuring fair judgment and protection against avengers of blood. Chapter 21 then unveils the meticulous allocation of the cities and lands to Levi, a process executed with unwavering precision to fulfill God's promise. The Book of Joshua is a compelling account of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. It narrates their journey from the crossing of the Jordan River to the triumphant capture of the Promised Land. Filled with military campaigns, divine guidance, and moments of faith and obedience, this book underscores the fulfillment of God's promises and the importance of unwavering commitment to their divine mission. It stands as a powerful testament to the faith, resilience,

The Rev. Dr. Curtis Deterding, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Joshua 19. From the unique inheritance for Simeon to the maritime tribe of Zebulun, nestled along the Mediterranean coast, to the territories awarded to Naphtali, Asher, and others, we witness the intricate design of God's promises being fulfilled. In chapter 19, as we navigate through these unique allotments, we not only gain a geographical understanding of the land but also unearth profound spiritual insights. The Book of Joshua is a compelling account of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. It narrates their journey from the crossing of the Jordan River to the triumphant capture of the Promised Land. Filled with military campaigns, divine guidance, and moments of faith and obedience, this book underscores the fulfillment of God's promises and the importance of unwavering commitment to their divine mission. It stands as a powerful testament to the faith,

The Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Joshua 18. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/WrestlingWithTheBasics. Seven Israelite tribes still anxiously await their allotted portions of the promised land. In this chapter, Joshua summons their leaders and commands them to traverse the unconquered territories, measuring every hill and valley. Armed with surveying tools, the men meticulously map the regions, determining the bounty and potential of each area. After their quest was complete, they returned to Joshua at Shiloh. The time had come--with God's guidance, the lots are cast to decide each tribe's portion in the promised land. The Book of Joshua is a compelling account of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. It narrates their journey from the crossing of the Jordan River to the triumphant capture of the Promised Land. Filled with military campaigns, divine guidance, and moments of faith and obe

The Rev. Doug Griebenaw, pastor and Mission Advocate at KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Joshua 16 and 17. These chapters reveal how the territory in the Promised Land was divided among the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. Chapter 16 outlines the specific boundaries and cities within Ephraim's territory, while chapter 17 delves into how land was assigned to the half-tribe of Manasseh. In particular, we hear the story of Zelophehad's daughters, who successfully advocated for their rightful share of the land. This passage highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling the promise of providing land for the Israelites as they settle in Canaan following their exodus from Egypt. The Book of Joshua is a compelling account of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. It narrates their journey from the crossing of the Jordan River to the triumphant capture of the Promised Land. Filled with military campaigns, divine guidance, and moments of faith and obedience, this book und

The Rev. Brandt Hoffman, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church and School in Coos Bay, OR, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to discuss the topic of church membership. This special episode features a provocative discussion about the changing landscape of church membership and what it means to belong to a congregation. The pastors outline the modern view that casts members as volunteers, attendees, and financial contributors and contrast that with historic notions of membership rooted in confession and authentic community. They’ll also discuss the future of church membership. It is simply fading away or will there be a return to a more traditional understanding? Or perhaps there’s a third way to understand church membership.

The Rev. Paul Cain, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sheridan, WY, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Joshua 15. This chapter unfolds before us the allotment of the Promised Land for the tribe of Judah. As we traverse the diverse territories assigned to this, the most important of Israelite tribes, we see the historical context that would later play a pivotal role in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Beyond the geographical boundaries, Joshua 15 carries a timeless message about heritage, unity, and faith. The Book of Joshua is a compelling account of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. It narrates their journey from the crossing of the Jordan River to the triumphant capture of the Promised Land. Filled with military campaigns, divine guidance, and moments of faith and obedience, this book underscores the fulfillment of God's promises and the importance of unwavering commitment to their divine mission. It stands as a powerful testament to the faith, resilience,

The Rev. Ryan Kleimola, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Toledo, OH, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Joshua 14. We now encounter the inspirational account of Caleb, a man of unwavering faith who, at the age of 85, fueled by his resolute determination and trust in God's promises, boldly requests the mountainous region of Hebron as his inheritance. Caleb was among the twelve spies who initially scouted the land of Canaan, and his faith remained unshaken despite the daunting challenges and giants they had encountered. Among other things this account serves as a lesson for us about perseverance in pursuit of God’s promises. The Book of Joshua is a compelling account of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. It narrates their journey from the crossing of the Jordan River to the triumphant capture of the Promised Land. Filled with military campaigns, divine guidance, and moments of faith and obedience, this book underscores the fulfillment of God's promises and the import