Genesis 17: The Sign of the Covenant

He was ninety-nine years old. His wife, nearly ninety. God's promise of descendants, a great nation, a covenant forever, must have still seemed impossible to Abram and Sarai. Then, the Lord appeared. Not with vague reassurance, but with clarity, power, and a new name. Abram became Abraham. Sarai became Sarah. And the sign of circumcision marked a covenant that would shape generations.

The Rev. Ryan Kleimola, pastor Trinity Lutheran Church in Toledo, OH, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 17.

Genesis isn’t just the start of the Bible; it’s the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal.

In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you’ve read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith.

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.