Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio

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Jan 16, 2026 • 55min

Luke 7:11–17: The Magnificent 37: Young Man, Arise

A funeral procession leaves the city of Nain, carrying the only son of a widow, but it collides with the Lord of Life. In this episode of The Magnificent 37, we witness a miracle of pure, unsolicited grace. No one asks Jesus to help; His heart simply breaks for the grieving mother. He touches the coffin, making Himself ceremonially unclean, to make the boy clean and alive. This raising of the dead foreshadows the day when Christ will wipe away every tear and death shall be no more. The Rev. Robert Smith, pastor emeritus in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 7:11–17. Thy Strong Word kicks off the new year by dedicating our time to study "The Magnificent 37: The Miracles of Jesus." Christ didn't just speak the Word; He demonstrated it with power. From the quiet intimacy of water turning to wine at Cana to the earth-shaking reality of the empty tomb, the Gospels record thirty-seven distinct moments where Jesus suspended the laws of nature to reveal the power of his grace. This isn't just a list of "neat tricks" from history. It is a systematic walkthrough of how God breaks into our broken world to fix it. Why did Jesus curse a fig tree? Why did He need mud to heal a blind man? What does the coin in the fish's mouth teach us about being citizens of heaven and earth? Host, Pastor Phil Booe and a lineup of guest pastors will take you through each event, verse by verse. We’ll move past the Sunday School summary and get into the meat of the text, including the Old Testament connections, the cultural context, and the immediate comfort these signs bring to your life today. 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.
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Jan 15, 2026 • 53min

Luke 13:10–17; Luke 14:1–6: The Magnificent 37: Loosed on the Sabbath

“Woman, you are freed from your disability.” For eighteen years, Satan through some malevolent spirit had crippled this woman...until Jesus arrives. In this episode of The Magnificent 37, we examine two Sabbath healings in Luke: the woman with a disabling spirit and the man with dropsy. Once again, Jesus confronts the legalism of the Pharisees, teaching that the Sabbath was made for releasing captives and showing mercy. By healing on the holy day, Jesus fulfills the ultimate purpose of the Sabbath as a gift of God providing rest to the weary. The Rev. Jesse Baker, pastor of Family of Christ in Houlton, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 13:10–17 and Luke 14:1–6. To learn more about Family of Christ, visit familyofchristhoulton.org.Thy Strong Word kicks off the new year by dedicating our time to study "The Magnificent 37: The Miracles of Jesus." Christ didn't just speak the Word; He demonstrated it with power. From the quiet intimacy of water turning to wine at Cana to the earth-shaking reality of the empty tomb, the Gospels record thirty-seven distinct moments where Jesus suspended the laws of nature to reveal the power of his grace. This isn't just a list of "neat tricks" from history. It is a systematic walkthrough of how God breaks into our broken world to fix it. Why did Jesus curse a fig tree? Why did He need mud to heal a blind man? What does the coin in the fish's mouth teach us about being citizens of heaven and earth? Host, Pastor Phil Booe and a lineup of guest pastors will take you through each event, verse by verse. We’ll move past the Sunday School summary and get into the meat of the text, including the Old Testament connections, the cultural context, and the immediate comfort these signs bring to your life today. 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.
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Jan 14, 2026 • 57min

John 5:1–15; Mark 3:1–6: The Magnificent 37: Rise and Stretch Out

Curtis Deterding, a pastor emeritus and theologian, shares insights on the profound healings of Jesus as they explore John 5 and Mark 3. They delve into the significance of the Pool of Bethesda, contrasting superstition with Christ's true mercy. The conversation highlights the paralytic's hesitation to accept healing and the burdensome rules imposed by the Pharisees regarding the Sabbath. Curtis and Phil emphasize Jesus' radical challenges to religious legalism and His call to compassion over strict adherence to the law.
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Jan 13, 2026 • 54min

Mark 2:1-12: The Magnificent 37: Forgiveness First

“Son, your sins are forgiven.” With this shocking declaration, Jesus shifts the focus from physical paralysis to spiritual brokenness, even daring to call this sinful man, “Son.” In this episode of The Magnificent 37, we witness Jesus proclaiming the Word of God and preaching the Gospel as well as the extraordinary faith of friends who tear open a roof to bring a paralyzed man to Jesus when the crowds were too big. Instead of simply healing the man, Jesus forgives him, revealing that His primary mission is to absolve sin. This miracle challenges the religious leaders (who can forgive sin but God alone?!) and proves that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins, demonstrating that true healing begins with reconciliation with God. The Rev. John Lukomski, pastor emeritus and co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 2:1-12. Thy Strong Word kicks off the new year by dedicating our time to study "The Magnificent 37: The Miracles of Jesus." Christ didn't just speak the Word; He demonstrated it with power. From the quiet intimacy of water turning to wine at Cana to the earth-shaking reality of the empty tomb, the Gospels record thirty-seven distinct moments where Jesus suspended the laws of nature to reveal the power of his grace. This isn't just a list of "neat tricks" from history. It is a systematic walkthrough of how God breaks into our broken world to fix it. Why did Jesus curse a fig tree? Why did He need mud to heal a blind man? What does the coin in the fish's mouth teach us about being citizens of heaven and earth? Host, Pastor Phil Booe and a lineup of guest pastors will take you through each event, verse by verse. We’ll move past the Sunday School summary and get into the meat of the text, including the Old Testament connections, the cultural context, and the immediate comfort these signs bring to your life today. 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.
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Jan 12, 2026 • 52min

John 4:46–54; Luke 7:1–10: The Magnificent 37: Healing from Afar

“Go; your son will live.” With these simple words, Jesus demonstrates that His power is not bound by geography or proximity. In this episode of The Magnificent 37, we explore two profound instances where the Lord heals from a distance: the Official’s Son in John 4 and the Centurion’s Servant in Luke 7. In both cases, desperate men seek Jesus, yet they learn that He does not need to be physically present to effect a cure. These signs show who Jesus is and that His Word and authority alone bridge the gap between life and death. The Rev. Burnell Eckardt, pastor emeritus and editor-in-chief of Gottesdienst: the Journal of Lutheran Liturgy, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 4:46–54 and Luke 7:1–10. Thy Strong Word kicks off the new year by dedicating our time to study "The Magnificent 37: The Miracles of Jesus." Christ didn't just speak the Word; He demonstrated it with power. From the quiet intimacy of water turning to wine at Cana to the earth-shaking reality of the empty tomb, the Gospels record thirty-seven distinct moments where Jesus suspended the laws of nature to reveal the power of his grace. This isn't just a list of "neat tricks" from history. It is a systematic walkthrough of how God breaks into our broken world to fix it. Why did Jesus curse a fig tree? Why did He need mud to heal a blind man? What does the coin in the fish's mouth teach us about being citizens of heaven and earth? Host, Pastor Phil Booe and a lineup of guest pastors will take you through each event, verse by verse. We’ll move past the Sunday School summary and get into the meat of the text, including the Old Testament connections, the cultural context, and the immediate comfort these signs bring to your life today. 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.
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Jan 9, 2026 • 56min

John 2:1–11: The Magnificent 37: Water to Wine; Peter’s Mother-in-Law

The account of Jesus’ first recorded miracle begins with the observation: “They have no more wine” (v. 3) and ends with the host declaring, “you have saved the best [wine] till now” (v. 10)! With the arrival of Jesus, comes a time of miracles—signs—that the old wine is no more and the new wine of god’s grace and mercy has arrived. Christ is the Word, spoke the Word, and demonstrated it with power. From the quiet intimacy of water turning to wine at Cana to the earth-shaking reality of the empty tomb, the Gospels record thirty-seven distinct moments where Jesus suspended the laws of nature to reveal the power of his grace. This episode begins at the beginning with the Wedding at Cana but also covers when Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law in Matthew 8:14–17. The Rev. Dr. Mark Femmel, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Maryland Heights, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 2:1–11 and Matthew 8:14–17. To learn more about Zion in Maryland Heights, visit zionmh.org.Thy Strong Word kicks off the new year by dedicating our time to study "The Magnificent 37: The Miracles of Jesus." Christ didn't just speak the Word; He demonstrated it with power. From the quiet intimacy of water turning to wine at Cana to the earth-shaking reality of the empty tomb, the Gospels record thirty-seven distinct moments where Jesus suspended the laws of nature to reveal the power of his grace. This isn't just a list of "neat tricks" from history. It is a systematic walkthrough of how God breaks into our broken world to fix it. Why did Jesus curse a fig tree? Why did He need mud to heal a blind man? What does the coin in the fish's mouth teach us about being citizens of heaven and earth? Host, Pastor Phil Booe and a lineup of guest pastors will take you through each event, verse by verse. We’ll move past the Sunday School summary and get into the meat of the text, including the Old Testament connections, the cultural context, and the immediate comfort these signs bring to your life today.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.
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Jan 9, 2026 • 30sec

NEW SERIES: The Magnificent 37 (Miracles of Jesus)

Thy Strong Word kicks off the new year by dedicating our time to study "The Magnificent 37: The Miracles of Jesus." Christ didn't just speak the Word; He demonstrated it with power. From the quiet intimacy of water turning to wine at Cana to the earth-shaking reality of the empty tomb, the Gospels record thirty-seven distinct moments where Jesus suspended the laws of nature to reveal the power of his grace. This isn't just a list of "neat tricks" from history. It is a systematic walkthrough of how God breaks into our broken world to fix it. Why did Jesus curse a fig tree? Why did He need mud to heal a blind man? What does the coin in the fish's mouth teach us about being citizens of heaven and earth? Host, Pastor Phil Booe and a lineup of guest pastors will take you through each event, verse by verse. We’ll move past the Sunday School summary and get into the meat of the text, including the Old Testament connections, the cultural context, and the immediate comfort these signs bring to your life today. 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.
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Jan 7, 2026 • 55min

Epiphany Special: We Three Kings? Demystifying the Magi

Join Rev. Roger Mullett, Pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, as he uncovers the truth about the Magi in Matthew's Gospel. Discover why these visitors likely weren't kings but Babylonian astrologers. The conversation dives into the origins of popular nativity traditions and how they're often misaligned with Scripture. Mullett highlights the significance of Gentile seekers in Jesus' story and addresses the tension between their occult origins and their role in Christ's mission. A fascinating exploration of faith, myth, and revelation!
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10 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 57min

John 1:1–18 (Fulfilled: The Word Became Flesh)

Rev. Jacob Herkamp, Pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, dives deep into John 1:1–18, illuminating the beautiful mystery of the incarnation. He explores why John's prologue begins before Bethlehem, revealing Christ as the eternal 'Word.' The discussion highlights the profound implications of 'the Word became flesh,' linking it with Old Testament imagery. Jacob clarifies the significance of light in darkness, and they reflect on John the Baptist's role as the forerunner of Christ, emphasizing Christ as God's dwelling among His people.
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Dec 22, 2025 • 55min

Isaiah 61:1–11 (The Spirit of the Lord Is Upon Me)

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.” Isaiah’s words paint a vivid picture of the Messiah’s mission: proclaiming liberty to captives, opening the prison to those who are bound, and announcing the year of the LORD’s favor. In part 11 of our special 12-part series connecting Old Testament prophecy to New Testament fulfillment, we explore the Servant who clothes His people with garments of salvation and robes of righteousness. These words will one day be read from a synagogue scroll in Nazareth as Jesus declares that this Scripture is fulfilled in their hearing. The Rev. Dan Eddy, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Beloit, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Isaiah 61:1–11. To learn more about Messiah Lutheran, visit mlcbeloit.com.This Advent series begins by covering the last Old Testament prophet, Malachi, and then spends twelve episodes alternating between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment, tracing God's promises from Isaiah to the birth of Christ. The series explores Emmanuel's promise, the Davidic King, John the Baptist as forerunner, and reaches its climax with the Nativity. The final episodes examine the Suffering Servant, the shadow of the cross in Christ's infancy, Isaiah's Messianic mission statement, and John's declaration that "the Word became flesh." 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.

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