

Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio
KFUO Radio
Thy Strong Word 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.
Thy Strong Word is hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, and graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation.
Thy Strong Word is hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, and graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 20, 2024 • 58min
Jude: Contend For the Faith
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.

Dec 19, 2024 • 57min
John 21:1-25: The Last Breakfast
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 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. 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.

Dec 18, 2024 • 57min
John 20:19-31: Fearful Disciples and Unbelieving Thomas
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 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. 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.

Dec 17, 2024 • 56min
John 20:1-18: God is Alive
Before the sun rises, Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb — and everything changes. The stone is rolled away. The grave is empty. Confusion turns to wonder, and sorrow gives way to joy. In this passage, we encounter the turning point of all history: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. After she hears her name spoken by her Lord Jesus, her tears are met with triumph, and she becomes the first to proclaim, 'I have seen the Lord!' The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 20:1-18. 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. 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.

Dec 17, 2024 • 56min
John 20:1-18: God is Alive
Before the sun rises, Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb — and everything changes. The stone is rolled away. The grave is empty. Confusion turns to wonder, and sorrow gives way to joy. In this passage, we encounter the turning point of all history: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. After she hears her name spoken by her Lord Jesus, her tears are met with triumph, and she becomes the first to proclaim, 'I have seen the Lord!' The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 20:1-18. 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. 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.

Dec 16, 2024 • 54min
John 19:17-42: God is Dead
From the judgment hall to the hill called Golgotha, John invites us to witness the most pivotal moment in all of human history. Jesus, carrying His own cross, walks the path of suffering that will soon become the way of salvation. Soldiers mock Him, bystanders jeer, and darkness will soon fall. But what appears to be the ultimate defeat is, in truth, the moment of ultimate victory. The Rev. Thomas Eckstein, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 19:17-42. 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. 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.

Dec 13, 2024 • 58min
John 18:28-19:16: Pilate Answers His Own Question
Pilate asks, “What is Truth?” Jesus stands before Pilate in a profound clash between divine kingship and earthly power. As the Jewish leaders demand His crucifixion, Pilate wrestles with questions of truth, justice, and authority. Jesus reveals that His kingdom is “not of this world,” exposing the limitations of human power. Mocked, scourged, and crowned with thorns, He is presented to the crowd with the haunting words, “Behold the man!” Their reply—“We have no king but Caesar”—marks the tragic rejection of God's true King. The Rev. Dan Torkelson, pastor of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Madison, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 18:28-19:16. 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. 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.

Dec 12, 2024 • 54min
John 18:1-27: Jesus is Arrested and Interrogated
Betrayal, arrest, and denial unfold as Jesus enters the Garden of Gethsemane, knowing His hour has come. Judas arrives with soldiers to betray Him, Peter resorts to violence, and Jesus willingly submits to arrest, demonstrating His divine authority even in captivity. As Jesus faces interrogation by Annas and Caiaphas, Peter denies Him three times, fulfilling Jesus’ earlier prophecy. The Rev. Ryan Kleimola, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Toledo, OH, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 18:1-27. 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. 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.

Dec 11, 2024 • 55min
John 17:1-26: The Prayer of Jesus our High Priest
Jesus' High Priestly Prayer reveals His deep intercession on behalf of His disciples and all future believers. He prays for His glorification, the protection and sanctification of His disciples, and the unity of all who will believe in Him. This profound prayer highlights themes of divine glory, mission, and the Church's unity as a witness to the world, offering a glimpse into the heart of Jesus' love and purpose as He heads toward crucifixion. The Rev. Dr. Curtis Deterding, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 17. 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. 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.

Dec 10, 2024 • 57min
John 16:5-33: Jesus Has Overcome the World
Jesus prepares His disciples for the trials ahead, promising that sorrow will transform into joy and that the Spirit will guide them into all truth. Amid coming struggles and suffering, He offers profound comfort and hope, declaring, “Take heart—I have overcome the world.” This scene reveals the Spirit’s role and Christ’s ultimate victory, equipping believers to face whatever challenges arise. The Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor of Crown of Life Lutheran Church, San Antonio, TX, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 16. 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. 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.