Thy Strong Word From Kfuo Radio

The sound of hammers echoes across Jerusalem’s broken walls, but so does the laughter of their enemies. They mock. They scheme. They threaten the Hebrews, yet God’s people continue to build but now armed! Half hold spears, swords, and bows, and half hold trowels, but all of them trust that God will defend them from every attack, and so the wall continues. This chapter serves as an example of peace (and faith!) through strength.  The Rev. Robert Smith, pastor emeritus in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Nehemiah 4.  From rubble to renewal, Nehemiah shows how the Lord rebuilds not just walls but hearts. Brick by brick and prayer by prayer, we follow God’s people through repentance, courageous leadership, fierce opposition, covenant renewal, and joyful dedication. This verse-by-verse series keeps Law and Gospel front and center, tracing the story from burned gates to the greater Builder — Christ Jesus — who secures a city that cannot fall. Expect honest history, practical application, a

The call to “rise up and build” is immediately answered as chapter 3 provides a roll call of Jerusalem’s rebuilders. From the high priest at the Sheep Gate to perfumers, rulers, goldsmiths, and even daughters, a diverse community finds their specific place on the wall. This long list, which sounds like a church project sign-up sheet, actually serves as a blueprint for the Church, showing how every member has a vital, God-given role and that in God’s economy, there are no small jobs, only faithful servants working together.  The Rev. Ryan Kleimola, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Toledo, OH, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Nehemiah 3.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitylutheran.org. From rubble to renewal, Nehemiah shows how the Lord rebuilds not just walls but hearts. Brick by brick and prayer by prayer, we follow God’s people through repentance, courageous leadership, fierce opposition, covenant renewal, and joyful dedication. This verse-by-verse series keeps Law and Gosp

With Persian King Artaxerxes’ permission and timber in hand, Nehemiah reaches Jerusalem, surveys the ruined walls by night, and calls to the remnant: “Let us rise up and build.” Mockery from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem (symbolizing the enemies of God’s people on all sides) hears from a confident Nehemiah, “The God of heaven will make us prosper!” This section demonstrates prudent planning, courageous leadership, and trust in God for success.  The Rev. Peter Burfeind, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Union City, MI, and Agnus Dei Lutheran Church in Marshall, MI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Nehemiah 2.  To learn more about Our Savior and Agnus Dei, visit facebook.com/oursaviorunioncity and agnusdeimarshall.com From rubble to renewal, Nehemiah shows how the Lord rebuilds not just walls but hearts. Brick by brick and prayer by prayer, we follow God’s people through repentance, courageous leadership, fierce opposition, covenant renewal, and joyful dedication. This verse-by-verse series

Have you ever gotten news that knocked the wind out of you? Some news stops you in your tracks. A phone call in the night, a diagnosis, a letter from the IRS. Suddenly you’re sitting down, head in your hands. That’s Nehemiah in chapter one. He’s a man with a powerful position, a good life in Persia, and yet when he hears about Jerusalem, he breaks down and prays. This prayer will set in motion a chain of events that changes history and points us to Christ, the One who truly rebuilds what sin has torn down.  The Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Nehemiah 1. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/wrestlingwiththebasics.  From rubble to renewal, Nehemiah shows how the Lord rebuilds not just walls but hearts. Brick by brick and prayer by prayer, we follow God’s people through repentance, courageous leadership, fierce opposition, covenant renewal, and joyful dedication. This verse-by-verse series keeps Law and Gospel front and ce

From rubble to renewal, Nehemiah shows how the Lord rebuilds not just walls but hearts. Brick by brick and prayer by prayer, we follow God’s people through repentance, courageous leadership, fierce opposition, covenant renewal, and joyful dedication. This verse-by-verse series keeps Law and Gospel front and center, tracing the story from burned gates to the greater Builder — Christ Jesus — who secures a city that cannot fall. Expect honest history, practical application, and the steady comfort of God’s promises when the work is heavy and critics are loud. 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: thystrongwo

The exiles have returned, the temple is rebuilt, and worship has resumed. Ezra has led the people in prayer, fasting, and thanksgiving. It feels like a high point. But almost immediately, the celebration collides with reality. In chapters 9 and 10, Ezra discovers that the people, priests and leaders included, have compromised themselves with the surrounding nations. The joy of restoration gives way to the grief of sin. Ezra falls on his knees, tearing his garments, confessing not only his own sin but the guilt of the whole community.  The Rev. James Preus, Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Ezra 9 and 10.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitylutheranottumwa.com. The Persian king Cyrus issues an astonishing decree: the exiles may go home. Among them are the Jews—God’s chosen people—whom this pagan ruler not only repatriates, but commands to rebuild the temple of the Lord. Ezra 1–4 tells of their return, the joy of restored worship, and the crus

In AD 325, over three hundred bishops gathered to answer a question that threatened to tear the church apart: Was Jesus Christ truly God, or merely the greatest of God's creatures? Their answer, refined at Constantinople in 381, became the Nicene Creed - the most universally confessed statement of Christian faith across all denominations. Pastor Tim Winterstein is the author of the new book “Worshiped and Glorified: A Study of the Nicene Creed,” available from Concordia Publishing House.  The Rev. Tim Winterstein, pastor of University Lutheran Church in Bloomington, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to discuss the Nicene Creed.  To learn more about University Lutheran, visit indianalutheran.com. 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 ver

Ezra leads 1,500 men and their families on a dangerous 900-mile journey from Babylon to Jerusalem, transporting 35 tons of gold and silver without military protection. When he discovers no Levites have volunteered for the journey, he must recruit worship leaders before the caravan can depart. Through fasting, prayer, and careful accountability, Ezra demonstrates what it means to stake everything on God's protective hand, even when millions of dollars and hundreds of lives hang in the balance.  The Rev. Adam DeGroot, pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, NM, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Ezra 8.  To learn more about Calvary Lutheran, visit calvaryLCMS.com. The Persian king Cyrus issues an astonishing decree: the exiles may go home. Among them are the Jews—God’s chosen people—whom this pagan ruler not only repatriates, but commands to rebuild the temple of the Lord. Ezra 1–4 tells of their return, the joy of restored worship, and the crushing opposition that brings construction to a

Nearly sixty years have passed since the events of the previous chapter. Now, a new king reigns over the Persians—Artaxerxes. Ezra receives extraordinary royal authorization from Artaxerxes to lead another group of exiles back to Jerusalem. The episode examines the remarkably generous terms of the king's letter, granting Ezra sweeping authority to teach the Law, collect temple offerings, and appoint judges. Central to the episode is how God works through pagan rulers to accomplish his purposes, using even foreign governments as instruments of his will.   The Rev. Roger Mullet, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Buffalo, WY, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Ezra 7.  To learn more about Prince of Peace, visit princeofpeacebuffalo.org. The Persian king Cyrus issues an astonishing decree: the exiles may go home. Among them are the Jews—God’s chosen people—whom this pagan ruler not only repatriates, but commands to rebuild the temple of the Lord. Ezra 1–4 tells of their return, the joy of r

Ezra 5–6 reads like a bureaucratic standoff: a nosy governor demands paperwork, and the Jews don’t have it on hand. Yet, hidden in the royal archives of a pagan empire is a dusty old decree from King Cyrus himself. Suddenly, along with King Darius’ decree, the state not only permits the temple to be rebuilt, but it also pays for it. In an age where “separation of church and state” is often weaponized by both sides, this chapter reminds us that the Lord bends even unbelieving rulers to serve His purposes.  The Rev. David Boisclair, senior pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Haggai 5 and 6.  To learn more about Our Redeemer Lutheran, visit ourredeemerstl.org. The Persian king Cyrus issues an astonishing decree: the exiles may go home. Among them are the Jews—God’s chosen people—whom this pagan ruler not only repatriates, but commands to rebuild the temple of the Lord. Ezra 1–4 tells of their return, the joy of restored worship, and the crushing

Seventeen centuries ago, in the bustling town of Nicaea, over 300 bishops from across the Roman Empire gathered, summoned by Emperor Constantine to resolve a crisis shaking the very foundations of Christianity. At stake was nothing less than the identity of Jesus Christ: was He truly God, co-eternal and of the same substance as the Father, or merely a created being—a divine yet lesser creature? Today, the fruit of that monumental gathering—the Nicene Creed—remains the definitive measure of Christian identity.  The Rev. John David Duke, pastor of Salem Lutheran Church in Buffalo, NY and adjunct professor of Old Testament Theology at Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catherines, Ontario, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to discuss the Nicene Creed.  This episode originally aired on March 7, 2025. 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 H

It often feels like the world is unraveling. Nations rage, foundations shake, and evil seems to advance on all sides. We see the siege and feel the battle is nearly lost. We look for a hero, a victory, a final turning of the tide. But human plans fail. The prophet Zechariah paints a picture of that final day. The battle rages, the city is taken, and all hope appears gone. Then, the Lord Himself appears. His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, and the mountain itself will be split in two. Living waters will flow from the heart of the city. The entire world will be transformed by His presence.  The Rev. Bruce von Hindenburg, pastor of Catalina Lutheran Church in Tucson, AZ, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Zechariah 14.  To learn more about Catalina Lutheran, visit www.catalinalutheran.org. The Persian king Cyrus issues an astonishing decree: the exiles may go home. Among them are the Jews—God’s chosen people—whom this pagan ruler not only repatriates, but commands to rebuild the temple of the

There are moments you wish you could forget: A word spoken in anger or selfishness that caused another to hurt.   The feeling that follows is a unique kind of grief. It's a sense of mourning over what you have caused. We know what it is to wound a friend or a family member. But can we comprehend wounding God Himself? The prophet Zechariah speaks of a day when the people of Jerusalem will look upon the one they have pierced. They will mourn for him as one mourns for an only son.  Zechariah announces that on that day, a fountain will be opened, a fountain to cleanse from sin and impurity.  The Rev. Benjamin Meyer, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Condit, OH, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Zechariah 12 and 13.  To learn more about Hope Lutheran, visit hopelutheransunbury.org. The Persian king Cyrus issues an astonishing decree: the exiles may go home. Among them are the Jews—God’s chosen people—whom this pagan ruler not only repatriates, but commands to rebuild the temple of the Lord. Ezra 1–4 t

Zechariah gives a stark image of this faithlessness. He tells of shepherds who value God's people so little that their worth is calculated at a mere thirty pieces of silver—the price of a slave gored by an ox. This paltry sum, their shepherd's wages, is then contemptuously thrown into the house of the Lord. It is a chilling prophecy of betrayal, revealing the heart of worthless leaders and pointing ahead to the one Good Shepherd who would be sold for this very price.  The Rev. Andrew Preus, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in New Haven, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Zechariah 10 and 11.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitynewhaven.com. The Persian king Cyrus issues an astonishing decree: the exiles may go home. Among them are the Jews—God’s chosen people—whom this pagan ruler not only repatriates, but commands to rebuild the temple of the Lord. Ezra 1–4 tells of their return, the joy of restored worship, and the crushing opposition that brings construction to a standstill

If you were to imagine an ancient king entering his capital city, you would likely picture a man sitting atop a powerful warhorse. You might see behind him a gleaming parade of chariots and a conquering army marching in formation. The king displays overwhelming strength and portrays an image that demands submission. This is how the world understands power. But the prophet Zechariah paints a radically different picture. He describes a righteous and holy King, one who is bringing rescue and salvation, riding into Jerusalem. Yet he does not ride on a warhorse, instead he arrives as one humbled—afflicted—riding on a donkey. What kind of kingdom is this? This prophecy cuts against every human expectation of power and glory.   The Rev. Jacob Hercamp, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Noblesville, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Zechariah 9.  To learn more about Christ Lutheran, visit clc-in.org. The Persian king Cyrus issues an astonishing decree: the exiles may go home. Among them are the Jews

What if God isn't impressed with our religious habits and pietism? For seventy years, the people of Judah thought they were doing the right thing by sticking to a solemn tradition they started themselves. It was a yearly memorial filled with mourning and weeping over the destruction of the temple. But, seeing as how they were rebuilding the temple, they asked God for a break from this ritual. His response turned their question around on them. He asked why they were performing the ritual in the first place—for God or for themselves? When we keep traditions and ceremonies not commanded by God, do we have the right motivation?  The Rev. Peter Schmidt, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church and School in Waukesha, WI, , joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Zechariah 7 and 8.  To learn more about Beautiful Savior, visit beautifulsaviorwaukesha.org. The Persian king Cyrus issues an astonishing decree: the exiles may go home. Among them are the Jews—God’s chosen people—whom this pagan ruler not only re

Zechariah's final vision sends four powerful chariots from between bronze mountains to patrol the earth, executing God's sovereign judgment. But the vision gives way to a startling command: Zechariah is to craft a royal crown and place it not on the governor, but on Joshua the High Priest. Why would God command the merging of the royal and priestly offices, an act forbidden in Israel's history? Or better yet, to whom is this unusual act pointing forward?  The Rev. Steven Theiss, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Zechariah 6.  The Persian king Cyrus issues an astonishing decree: the exiles may go home. Among them are the Jews—God’s chosen people—whom this pagan ruler not only repatriates, but commands to rebuild the temple of the Lord. Ezra 1–4 tells of their return, the joy of restored worship, and the crushing opposition that brings construction to a standstill. Then the prophets Haggai and Zechariah speak with God’s authority, calling His people

After promising His work is fueled "not by might, nor by power," God gives Zechariah two startling visions of judgment. A flying scroll carries a curse to cleanse the land of sin, and a woman named "Wickedness" is captured, sealed in a basket, and carried into exile. How does the promise of the Spirit's power relate to the necessity of purging sin? We explore how God's Spirit both empowers and purifies His people, a dual work perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ.  The Rev. Chris Matthis, pastor of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Castle Rock, CO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Zechariah 4 and 5.  To learn more about Epiphany Lutheran, visit epiphanylc.org. The Persian king Cyrus issues an astonishing decree: the exiles may go home. Among them are the Jews—God’s chosen people—whom this pagan ruler not only repatriates, but commands to rebuild the temple of the Lord. Ezra 1–4 tells of their return, the joy of restored worship, and the crushing opposition that brings construction to a standstill. Then

What happens when you stand accused in the heavenly courtroom and the charges are true? In this episode, we study the stunning vision of Zechariah 3, where Joshua the High Priest stands before the Angel of the LORD in filthy garments, with Satan himself as the prosecutor. Discover how God's verdict is not a judgment, but a gracious silencing of the accuser. This vision is a breathtaking preview of the Gospel, revealing the divine exchange where filthy rags are replaced by holy vestments and pointing directly to "the Branch," who is Jesus, removing all sin in a single day.  The Rev. Jacob Hercamp, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Noblesville, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Zechariah 3.  To learn more about Christ Lutheran, visit clc-in.org. The Persian king Cyrus issues an astonishing decree: the exiles may go home. Among them are the Jews—God’s chosen people—whom this pagan ruler not only repatriates, but commands to rebuild the temple of the Lord. Ezra 1–4 tells of their return, the jo

In ancient times, a city without walls would be a sitting duck: defenseless, vulnerable, and a ripe target for hostile nations. Writing to discouraged exiles who had returned to a ruined Jerusalem in 520 BC, Zechariah delivers God's stunning promise delivered to him in a third vision: Jerusalem will become a city without walls because of the multitude of people God will bring to it, and the YHWH Himself will be a wall of fire around His people and the glory in their midst. This was good news that required trust from God's returning people—what does it mean for us today? The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Zechariah 2.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitylutheranministries.org. The Persian king Cyrus issues an astonishing decree: the exiles may go home. Among them are the Jews—God’s chosen people—whom this pagan ruler not only repatriates, but commands to rebuild the temple of the Lord. Ezra 1–4 tells of thei