Thy Strong Word From Kfuo Radio

Jesus, traveling through Samaria, stops at Jacob’s well and encounters a Samaritan woman. Breaking social and cultural norms, He engages in a profound conversation with her, revealing Himself as the source of “living water” that quenches a deeper thirst than any earthly water could satisfy. As Jesus exposes her past yet offers her grace, He unveils truths about worship and declares openly, “I who speak to you am He”—revealing Himself as the Messiah.  The Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 4:26. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/wrestlingwiththebasics.  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 relentl

As Jesus' ministry gains momentum, John the Baptist's disciples raise concerns that people are now flocking to Jesus instead of their own teacher. But with great humility, John joyfully declares his role is to prepare the way for the true Messiah— the Bridegroom who has come from heaven. John humbly proclaims, "He must increase, but I must decrease," acknowledging Christ's divine authority and mission to bring eternal life to all who believe.  The Rev. Weston Wildauer, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 3:22-36.  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 pursued by those who reject Him, yet He willingly go

Under the cover of night, Nicodemus, a Pharisee and teacher, seeks Jesus for answers only He can give. Jesus speaks of being “born again” through water and the Spirit, challenging Nicodemus—and all who listen—to see the kingdom of God in a new light. In this intimate exchange, the mystery of salvation unfolds, revealing the profound love of God for the world through His only Son. John 3:16, a verse echoing through the ages, calls believers to embrace the promise of eternal life. This passage invites us into the heart of the gospel, where faith and rebirth offer a new beginning.  The Rev. Dr. Rich Rudowske, Executive Director of Lutheran Bible Translators, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 3:1-21.  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

Jesus’ ministry begins with two powerful acts: turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana and cleansing the temple in Jerusalem. At Cana, Jesus shows love and respect for His mother by answering her request, revealing His divine power in an intimate setting. Jesus shows that joy and celebration are not frivolous, but the proper response to God’s gifts in creation. Then, in the temple, His zeal for His Father’s house drives Him to confront corruption. Jesus demonstrates his righteous judgment as he turns over tables and whips the moneychangers out of the temple.   The Rev. Mitchell Gowen, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church of Aiea, Hawai’i, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 2:1-25.  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 de

As John the Baptist declares Jesus to be the Lamb of God, two of his own followers, including Andrew, are drawn to Jesus and ask Him where He is staying. With a simple invitation—"Come and you will see"—Jesus begins gathering those who would become His closest companions. Andrew brings his brother, Simon Peter, and soon after, Philip and Nathanael are called. But when Nathanael skeptically questions whether anything good can come from Nazareth, Jesus surprises him with insights only God could know, sparking Nathanael’s awe-filled confession: "You are the Son of God!" These first encounters reveal not only Jesus’ powerful insight but the mystery and wonder He inspires in those who come near.  The Rev. Roger Mullet, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Buffalo, WY, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 1:35-51.  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 pr

We encounter a stunning introduction to Jesus—He is not only the Word who was with God from the beginning, but the Word who is God. He is the Light breaking into a world of darkness, offering life and power to those who believe. And in a moment of profound revelation, John the Baptist points to Jesus, calling Him the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. What does it mean for Jesus to be the Word, the Light, and the Lamb? Join us as we explore these awe-inspiring titles and dive into the mystery of who Jesus truly is!  The Rev. Sam Powell, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church & School, Jefferson City, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 1:1-34.  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 c

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 pursued by those who reject Him, yet He willingly goes to the cross, showing the depths of God’s love. As we travel from His first miracle to His ultimate victory over death, John invites us to see and believe—that in Jesus, we find eternal life and the very presence of God among us. Connect to God’s revealing Word in this series that uncovers the rich, layered truths of John’s Gospel and the unshakable hope it offers.  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. E

How can Christians navigate the complex world of politics while staying true to their biblical values? On this special, First-Friday Free Text episode, tune in as Professor Joel Biermann and Pastor Booe explore how to engage in political discussions with grace and wisdom. This is an hour of insightful conversation and practical guidance on living out your faith in the public arena. The Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann, systematics professor at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to discuss Christian ways to talk about politics. This program originally aired on February 2, 2024. 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.

On All Saints’ Day, a.k.a. The Feast of All Hallows, we dig deep into the significance of this important celebration in the Church. Pastor Brady Finnern comes on the show to discuss life after death from a biblical and pastoral perspective. What happens when believers die? What is it like in Heaven? Do unbelievers go straight to Hell? We’ll also address questions on the resurrection, the communion of saints, and the ultimate future that awaits believers and unbelievers alike in this final episode of the special four-part All Hallows miniseries.  The Rev. President Brady Finnern, president of the Minnesota North District and host of Concord Matters on KFUO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to discuss All Saints Day and life after death.  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 cons

This third part of our special four-part All Hallows miniseries features Pastor Jon Furgeson, who completed his Ph.D. research in spiritual warfare. He comes on the program to discuss spiritual creatures: both benevolent (angels) and malevolent (demons). We explore how the popular depictions of these spiritual beings are often at odds with the truth revealed by God’s Word. When were angels created? What powers do they have? Do we have anything to fear from the spiritual warfare conducted against God’s people by demons? These questions and more are answered in this intriguing episode.  The Rev. Dr. Jon Furgeson, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in St. Louis, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to discuss angels and demons.  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 S

In part two of our four-part series on All Hallows, things get a bit eerie as we explore ghosts, hauntings, and the occult. We address popular beliefs about ghosts, compare them with biblical teachings, and consider what fascinates us about death. What are the proper and improper ways to honor the dead? Can ghost hunting, using Quija boards, and performing seances really be done in a harmless way? Tune in to hear what Ghosts really are and how they cannot be the spirits or souls of departed humans.   The Rev. Tim McCall, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran in Junction City, KS, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to discuss ghosts, hauntings, and the occult.  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 equ

We kick off this four-part “All Hallows Special” with a discussion surrounding the origins and modern practice of Hallowe’en. Is this spooky season really something for Christians to avoid? Does dressing up like Spiderman and going trick-or-treating mean that your child is participating in ancient pagan cultures? Although many have usurped this season for their own nefarious purposes, the pastors explain that much of the hype and fear around Halloween came about only recently. Discover how Hallowe’en (or All Hallows Eve) is connected to Reformation Day, All Saints Day, and whether Christians should take part.  The Rev. Rick Schneider pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ronan, MT, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to discuss the origins of Hallowe’en.  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

Heaven— God’s final vision of heaven to John unfolds with the river of the water of life flowing from God’s throne and the tree of life bearing its eternal fruit, symbolizing abundance and healing. Jesus proclaims, "I am coming soon," offering an open invitation to all who thirst for His presence to come and receive freely. This message of hope is both a promise and a call to action. May we be ever responding to His invitation, living in eager anticipation of His return.  The Rev. Warren Woerth, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Arnold, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Revelation 22:1-21.  Shrouded in mysterious visions of cosmic battles, plagues, and catastrophic events, the Apocalypse of St. John, or as it’s more commonly known--the Book of Revelation, paints a haunting picture of the end times. Cryptic symbols of beasts, the rise of the Antichrist, and the final judgment unfold with unsettling intensity, revealing the ultimate clash between good and evil. Yet, beneath its terrifying i

Heaven and Earth— John sees a vision of a “new heaven and a new earth,” replacing the current, fallen creation. The holy city, the New Jerusalem, descends from heaven, and God takes up His dwelling place among His people. This future reality where God wipes away every tear, abolishes death, and eliminates sorrow and pain is a powerful image of hope and restoration. Today, we explore how this ultimate hope of eternal communion with God shapes our lives now, offering peace and purpose in the midst of a world marred by struggle.  The Rev. Steven Theiss, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, New Wells, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Revelation 21:1-27.  Shrouded in mysterious visions of cosmic battles, plagues, and catastrophic events, the Apocalypse of St. John, or as it’s more commonly known--the Book of Revelation, paints a haunting picture of the end times. Cryptic symbols of beasts, the rise of the Antichrist, and the final judgment unfold with unsettling intensity, revealing the ultimate clas

Earth and Heaven—Satan is bound for a thousand years as Christ reigns with His saints, but what does that mean? A literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth or does it represent that Christ reigns now? Satan is described as chained, but he’s not inactive. Eventually, Satan is released but ultimately defeated and thrown into the lake of fire. The dead are judged according to their deeds. Knowing that a final judgment awaits, how comforting it is to know that our Christ wins in the end, and he gives us the victory!  The Rev. William Cwirla, pastor emeritus, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Revelation 20:1-15.  Shrouded in mysterious visions of cosmic battles, plagues, and catastrophic events, the Apocalypse of St. John, or as it’s more commonly known--the Book of Revelation, paints a haunting picture of the end times. Cryptic symbols of beasts, the rise of the Antichrist, and the final judgment unfold with unsettling intensity, revealing the ultimate clash between good and evil. Yet, beneath its

Heaven and Earth— Heaven rejoices over the fall of Babylon, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of evil. The marriage supper of the Lamb is joyously proclaimed, signifying the final union between Christ and His Church. As the vision continues, Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, appears in His full glory, riding a white horse. With power and authority, He brings divine judgment and wages war against the beast, the false prophet, and the rebellious nations. How can we better share the message to all those who suffer that Jesus is King and has already conquered the evils of this world?  The Rev. Vernon Wendt, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church, Moundsview, MN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Revelation 19:1-21.  Shrouded in mysterious visions of cosmic battles, plagues, and catastrophic events, the Apocalypse of St. John, or as it’s more commonly known--the Book of Revelation, paints a haunting picture of the end times. Cryptic symbols of beasts, the rise of the Antichrist, and the final j

Earth— A mighty angel descends from heaven, declaring the complete and final fall of Babylon, the great city, whose destruction marks the end of her worldly power. As Babylon collapses, the inhabitants of the earth mourn over the loss of her wealth, luxury, and splendor. Merchants, kings, and all who benefited from her trade stand at a distance, weeping over the sudden ruin of the once-glorious city. How does knowing the future of those who engage in immorality change your priorities?  The Rev. Jacob Hercamp, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, Noblesville, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Revelation 18:1-24.  Shrouded in mysterious visions of cosmic battles, plagues, and catastrophic events, the Apocalypse of St. John, or as it’s more commonly known--the Book of Revelation, paints a haunting picture of the end times. Cryptic symbols of beasts, the rise of the Antichrist, and the final judgment unfold with unsettling intensity, revealing the ultimate clash between good and evil. Yet, beneath its

Earth— After the seventh bowl of God's wrath is poured out, John is shown a vivid and symbolic vision of the judgment of Babylon the Great, portrayed as a harlot seated upon a scarlet beast, full of blasphemous names and adorned in luxurious riches. Babylon's downfall is announced by an angel, and her destruction is mourned by the kings of the earth and the merchants who thrived off her immoral influence.  The Rev. Joshua Knippa, pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Nederland, TX, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Revelation 16:17-17:18.  Shrouded in mysterious visions of cosmic battles, plagues, and catastrophic events, the Apocalypse of St. John, or as it’s more commonly known--the Book of Revelation, paints a haunting picture of the end times. Cryptic symbols of beasts, the rise of the Antichrist, and the final judgment unfold with unsettling intensity, revealing the ultimate clash between good and evil. Yet, beneath its terrifying imagery, Revelation is also a deeply personal letter, offering c

Heaven and Earth— We encounter a striking image of the harvest: a reaping of both the righteous and the wicked. It is the final separation of those who belong to Christ and those who follow the beast. Then, seven angels are sent to unleash devastating plagues upon the earth. These judgments, symbolized by the bowls of God's wrath, strike at the rebellious on the earth. As the world endures these severe punishments, humanity's stubborn refusal to repent becomes evident, even as the great city of Babylon falls.   The Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Overland, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Revelation 14:14-16:16.  Shrouded in mysterious visions of cosmic battles, plagues, and catastrophic events, the Apocalypse of St. John, or as it’s more commonly known--the Book of Revelation, paints a haunting picture of the end times. Cryptic symbols of beasts, the rise of the Antichrist, and the final judgment unfold with unsettling intensity, revealing the ultimate clash betwe

Mount Zion and Earth—The Lamb stands on Mount Zion with the 144,000 redeemed. Who are these 144,000? The answer may surprise you. Then, three angels proclaim eternal gospel messages, and the earth's harvest is reaped—both the righteous and the wicked. Knowing that a time of reckoning is coming, how does this motivate us to live righteously and share the gospel with urgency?  The Rev. Chris Matthis, pastor of Epiphany Lutheran Church, Castle Rock, CO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Revelation 14:1-20.  Shrouded in mysterious visions of cosmic battles, plagues, and catastrophic events, the Apocalypse of St. John, or as it’s more commonly known--the Book of Revelation, paints a haunting picture of the end times. Cryptic symbols of beasts, the rise of the Antichrist, and the final judgment unfold with unsettling intensity, revealing the ultimate clash between good and evil. Yet, beneath its terrifying imagery, Revelation is also a deeply personal letter, offering comfort to early Christians facing pe