Thy Strong Word From Kfuo Radio

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to hand out advice when you're not the one suffering? It's one thing to talk about God's justice from the comfort of your own life, but it's another when you're the one in the ashes. Eliphaz continues his advice that began in the previous chapter. He thinks he's offering Job wisdom—trust God's discipline, endure hardship, and everything will work out. But is he really seeing the whole picture? Or is he just repeating what sounds good?  The Rev. Jacob Heine, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 5.  Why do the righteous suffer? That’s the burning question at the heart of the book of Job—one of the most profound and challenging books in all of Scripture. From a Lutheran perspective, Job’s story isn’t just about a man enduring unimaginable hardship; it’s about wrestling with God’s will, grappling with well-meaning but misguided advice, and ultimately finding comfort in God’s grace rather than human understanding. As Job

Ever had a friend who, with the best intentions, just completely missed the mark? You’re pouring out your heart, and they hit you with, “well, everything happens for a reason”—yeah, thanks for that. When we face suffering, well-meaning friends often try to offer wisdom—sometimes helpful, sometimes not so much. In Job 4, Eliphaz steps forward with what he believes is sound advice, drawing from his own experience and understanding of God's justice. But does his counsel bring clarity, or does it miss the deeper reality of Job’s suffering?  The Rev. Roger Mullet, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Buffalo, WY, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 4.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, 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 th

In one of Scripture's most emotionally raw passages, we witness the moment when Job's legendary patience transforms into profound lament. His words don't just express grief; they paint a poetic masterpiece of suffering, where darkness battles light, where the peace of death seems sweeter than the torment of life, and where the fundamental question of human existence hangs heavy in the air: Why was I born to suffer?  The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 3.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Job is a book that grapples with some of life's most profound questions. It explores the nature of suffering, the limits of human understanding, and the character of God in the face of seemingly senseless tragedy. In the opening chapters, we encounter a righteous man whose world is turned upside down. With God’s permission, Satan strikes Job with catastrophic losses: marauding raiders stole his flocks and herds, fire consumed what remained, and a mighty wind collapsed the home where all his children were gathered. In a matter of hours, Job lost nearly everything he held dear, yet he fell to the ground in worship, refusing to curse God or abandon his faith.  The Rev. Jesse Baker, pastor of Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Houlton Wisconsin, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 1-2.   Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming lig

Why do the righteous suffer? That’s the burning question at the heart of the book of Job—one of the most profound and challenging books in all of Scripture. From a Lutheran perspective, Job’s story isn’t just about a man enduring unimaginable hardship; it’s about wrestling with God’s will, grappling with well-meaning but misguided advice, and ultimately finding comfort in God’s grace rather than human understanding. As Job’s friends offer simplistic answers, Job demands the truth, and God’s response reminds us of His infinite wisdom and mercy. Through it all, we see glimpses of Christ—the truly innocent sufferer—who redeems our pain and points us to the cross, where suffering meets salvation. Join us as we journey through Job, confronting tough questions about faith, suffering, and God's mysterious ways with hope grounded in Christ alone.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Wor

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." These words, penned by the apostle John, echo through the centuries, reminding us of the profound connection between truth and joy in the Christian life. This letter is addressed to a Christian leader named Gaius, whom John commends for his hospitality and faithfulness to the truth. However, another—Diotrephes—is criticized for his pride and rejection of church authority.  The Rev. David Boisclair, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 3 John.  In these epistles, John defends the truth of Jesus Christ against false teachings, calling believers to remain steadfast in their faith and grounded in the apostolic witness. He emphasizes the essential connection between truth, love, and fellowship, urging Christians to walk in the light, love one another, and reject anything that denies the person and work of Jesus.  Through 1 John, we explore the assurance of salvation, the battle be

Love and truth - two words that seem simple enough. But what happens when false teachers twist these concepts, using Christian hospitality as a weapon against the faithful? The shortest book in the Bible tackles this dangerous situation head-on. In just 13 verses, the Apostle John provides crucial guidance on how to balance Christian love with doctrinal vigilance. This powerful letter that reminds us how love and truth must work together, and why sometimes the most loving thing we can do is close our doors to those who would lead us astray.  The Rev. Chris Matthis, pastor of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Castle Rock, CO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 John.  In these epistles, John defends the truth of Jesus Christ against false teachings, calling believers to remain steadfast in their faith and grounded in the apostolic witness. He emphasizes the essential connection between truth, love, and fellowship, urging Christians to walk in the light, love one another, and reject anything that denies the

Love and truth - two words that seem simple enough. But what happens when false teachers twist these concepts, using Christian hospitality as a weapon against the faithful? The shortest book in the Bible tackles this dangerous situation head-on. In just 13 verses, the Apostle John provides crucial guidance on how to balance Christian love with doctrinal vigilance. This powerful letter that reminds us how love and truth must work together, and why sometimes the most loving thing we can do is close our doors to those who would lead us astray.  The Rev. Chris Matthis, pastor of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Castle Rock, CO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 John.  In these epistles, John defends the truth of Jesus Christ against false teachings, calling believers to remain steadfast in their faith and grounded in the apostolic witness. He emphasizes the essential connection between truth, love, and fellowship, urging Christians to walk in the light, love one another, and reject anything that denies the

"Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” These ancient words from Scripture carry a startling urgency. The apostle John wraps up his letter by confronting us with an audacious claim: everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God. This isn't just theological theory - it's a provocative declaration that challenges our very understanding of faith, love, and what it means to be children of God.  The Rev. Doug Griebenaw, Mission Advocate for KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 1 John 5:1-21. In these epistles, John defends the truth of Jesus Christ against false teachings, calling believers to remain steadfast in their faith and grounded in the apostolic witness. He emphasizes the essential connection between truth, love, and fellowship, urging Christians to walk in the light, love one another, and reject anything that denies the person and work of Jesus.  Through 1 John, we explore the assurance of salvation, the battle between light and darkness, and

John tackles a crucial question that plagued the early church and still challenges us today: How do we know who truly speaks for God? He provides a surprisingly simple test - the acknowledgment of Jesus Christ coming in the flesh - but then expands into one of Scripture's most profound revelations about God's nature as love itself. Through this dual focus on discernment and divine love, John shows how spiritual truth-testing is important for those who are of God but love itself seeks the good of others—even those who are caught up in false teachings.  The Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 1 John 4:1-21. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/WrestlingWithTheBasics.  In these epistles, John defends the truth of Jesus Christ against false teachings, calling believers to remain steadfast in their faith and grounded in the apostolic witness. He emphasizes the essential connection between truth, love, and fellowship, urging Chris

The apostle John confronts us with a startling truth: hatred equals murder in God's eyes. Through the story of Cain and Abel, John exposes the deadly nature of hatred while revealing how Christ's sacrificial love transforms God's children from murderers into bearers of divine love. God’s Word cuts through our comfortable assumptions about what it means to be Christian, showing us there is no middle ground between love and hate.  The Rev. Delwyn Campbell pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lansing, MI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 1 John 3:11-24.  In these epistles, John defends the truth of Jesus Christ against false teachings, calling believers to remain steadfast in their faith and grounded in the apostolic witness. He emphasizes the essential connection between truth, love, and fellowship, urging Christians to walk in the light, love one another, and reject anything that denies the person and work of Jesus.  Through 1 John, we explore the ass

The Apostle John writes of God's extraordinary love that transforms us into His children, a love so profound it changes our very identity. He then paints a vivid picture of our future hope: becoming like Christ when He appears. This anticipation, John argues, should inspire us to purify ourselves. But the apostle doesn't stop there. He delves into the challenging topic of sin in the believer's life, boldly asserting that those born of God cannot continue in sin.  The Rev. Matthew Tassey, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Shawnee, OK, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 1 John 3:1-10.  In these epistles, John defends the truth of Jesus Christ against false teachings, calling believers to remain steadfast in their faith and grounded in the apostolic witness. He emphasizes the essential connection between truth, love, and fellowship, urging Christians to walk in the light, love one another, and reject anything that denies the person and work of Jesus.  Through 1 John, we explore the assurance of s

The apostle John delivers a powerful wake-up call to believers. Love for the world and love for God? They're incompatible. But that's just the beginning. John unveils the deceptive nature of worldly desires, exposes the threat of antichrists in our midst, and reveals the secret to unwavering faith. What's the connection between abiding in Christ and facing His return with confidence? Discover how John's urgent message cuts through the noise of our culture, offering a timeless guide to authentic Christian living.  The Rev. Ryan Kleimola, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Toledo, OH, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 1 John 2:15-29.  In these epistles, John defends the truth of Jesus Christ against false teachings, calling believers to remain steadfast in their faith and grounded in the apostolic witness. He emphasizes the essential connection between truth, love, and fellowship, urging Christians to walk in the light, love one another, and reject anything that denies the person and work of Jesus. 

The apostle John reveals Jesus Christ as our advocate before the Father, pleading our case and covering our sins with His righteousness. John also warns against loving the world and its fleeting desires, which are passing away, and urges believers to walk in the light, just as God is in the light. As we explore these verses, we examine the importance of obeying God's commands, loving our brothers and sisters in Christ, and overcoming the evil one, all while resting in the assurance of Jesus' advocacy on our behalf.  The Rev. Dr. Curtis Deterding, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 1 John 2:1-14.  In these epistles, John defends the truth of Jesus Christ against false teachings, calling believers to remain steadfast in their faith and grounded in the apostolic witness. He emphasizes the essential connection between truth, love, and fellowship, urging Christians to walk in the light, love one another, and reject anything that denies the person and work

John, in a sense, continues his Gospel as he introduces central themes of fellowship, truth, and light. The apostle begins with a proclamation of the eternal Word of life—Jesus Christ—emphasizing the tangible reality of His Incarnation as witnessed by the apostles. This message invites believers into fellowship with God and with one another, rooted in the joy of the Gospel. John contrasts walking in the light with living in darkness, exposing the lie of thinking we are without sin while highlighting the promise that if we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us through Christ’s blood.  The Rev. Dr. Burnell Eckardt, pastor emeritus, and editor-in-chief of Gottesdienst, the Journal of Lutheran Liturgy, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 1 John 1.  In these epistles, John defends the truth of Jesus Christ against false teachings, calling believers to remain steadfast in their faith and grounded in the apostolic witness. He emphasizes the essential connection between truth, love, and

In these epistles, John defends the truth of Jesus Christ against false teachings, calling believers to remain steadfast in their faith and grounded in the apostolic witness. He emphasizes the essential connection between truth, love, and fellowship, urging Christians to walk in the light, love one another, and reject anything that denies the person and work of Jesus. Through 1 John, we explore the assurance of salvation, the battle between light and darkness, and the call to abide in Christ. In 2 John, we are reminded of the importance of holding fast to the truth while guarding against deceivers. Finally, in 3 John, we see a personal glimpse into the challenges of church leadership, hospitality, and Christian unity. Together, these letters challenge us to live faithfully as God’s children in a world that opposes His truth. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaki

This short but profound epistle centers on Onesimus, a runaway bondservant who has become a brother in Christ. Paul makes a bold, loving appeal for Philemon—his master and prominent Christian leader in Colossae, to receive Onesimus not as a slave, but as a beloved brother, embodying the reconciliation made possible through the Gospel. The Apostle appeals to forgiveness, Christian love, and the transformation of earthly relationships in light of our shared identity in Christ as he urges Onesimus to do the right thing.   The Rev. Dr. Nathan Meador, Mission Executive for the South Wisconsin District—LCMS, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Paul's letter to Philemon. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, 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 this quick overview of the Epistle of Jude, we hear as Jude calls Christians to "contend for the faith" against false teachers who distort God’s grace. With vivid imagery of rebellious angels, ancient judgments, and prophetic warnings, Jude unveils the spiritual dangers facing the Church. But it is not all warning—he also calls the faithful to persevere, build one another up, and remain in God’s love.  The Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Overland, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Jude.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

After his resurrection, Jesus meets His disciples by the sea where the familiar sound of fishermen casting nets and the waves lapping against the shore turns into an unforgettable moment of grace. There, Jesus has a meal of fish prepared for them. In this last chapter, we witness Jesus' tender restoration of Peter, transforming his shame into bold discipleship. From a miraculous catch of fish to the command, 'Feed my sheep,' this chapter shows that failure is never the end when Christ calls you by name.   The Rev. Chris Matthis, pastor of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Castle Rock, CO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 21.  The Gospel of John takes us on a journey through the Good News of Jesus in a unique way. It reveals Jesus as the incarnate son of God from eternity.  From His miraculous signs to His profound "I Am" statements, we witness Jesus offering living water to the thirsty, light to those in darkness, and life to the dead. But this is also a story of conflict: Jesus is relentlessly purs

Doubt. Fear. Locked doors. These are the marks of the disciples after the resurrection who are hiding behind locked doors. Then, Jesus enters the room, and we are made witnesses of the risen Christ as he brings peace to his fearful disciples. Thomas, wracked with unbelief, demands proof of Jesus’ identity. In love, Jesus grants his request after which God blesses Thomas with a faith that proclaims, 'My Lord and my God!' Thomas believes after he encounters Jesus in the flesh, but as Jesus points out, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”  The Rev. Jacob Hercamp, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, Noblesville, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 20:19-31.  The Gospel of John takes us on a journey through the Good News of Jesus in a unique way. It reveals Jesus as the incarnate son of God from eternity.  From His miraculous signs to His profound "I Am" statements, we witness Jesus offering living water to the thirsty, light to those in darkness, and life to the dead. But th