Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio

The Rev. Dr. Richard Davenport, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church of Fort Smith, AR joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 14:53-72.This passage delves into the dramatic events following Jesus’ arrest in the garden of Gethsemane. It paints a vivid picture of the tumultuous night of Jesus' trial before the religious leaders in the courtyard of the High Priest’s house. As the events unfold, the spotlight turns to Peter, when he denies he knows Jesus three times just as Jesus had foretold.Beneath the fast-paced action of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark lies a profound theological message: we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Though Jesus performs mighty deeds and calls people to repent, they repeatedly fail to understand his true identity and mission. Even his disciples abandon him in his darkest hour. Yet Jesus willingly suffers and dies on the cross as a ransom for many, accomplishing what we could not do ourselves - securing our justification before God. Mark presents Jesus not just as a miracle worker but as the divine Savior whose atoning sacrifice makes salvation possible for lost sinners.

The Rev. Nabil Nour, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hartford, SD and fourth vice president of the LCMS, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Jonah 3 & 4.After his ordeal at sea, Jonah finally obeys God's command and preaches repentance in Nineveh. To his surprise, the wicked city heeds his words and turns from evil, sparking widespread repentance. Instead of rejoicing, Jonah becomes angry with God for relenting in judgment against Nineveh. After sheltering under a plant for shade, only to see it shrivel up overnight, Jonah pouts about the withered plant while ignoring the sprawling city of 120,000 people who God had spared. When God explains how His compassion extends even to "evil" Nineveh, Jonah remains stubbornly displeased over the fate of his shade plant, blind to the true purpose of his mission. This program originally aired October 19, 2023.The story of Jonah is one of the most fascinating tales in the Bible, yet also one of the most perplexing. God called, but Jonah ran the other way. You know the story - the disobedient prophet thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish. But there's much more to Jonah's tale than a big fish story. Jonah wrestled with a merciful God as he delivered a message of repentance to Israel's enemies in Nineveh. Why did Jonah resist God's call? How did the people of Nineveh respond? What do we make of this bitter prophet who would rather die than see his enemies receive grace? Dive deeper into this odd but meaningful story of rebellion, redemption, and the radical compassion of God that extends to all people.

The Rev. Thomas Eckstein, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Jonah 1 & 2.Jonah receives a divine command to preach in Nineveh, but he attempts to thwart God's will by boarding a ship in the opposite direction. His disobedience seems to incite a fierce storm that threatens to destroy the vessel. When the terrified sailors learn Jonah is running from his God, they reluctantly cast him into the raging sea at his request. Swallowed by a great fish, Jonah spends three agonizing days in its belly praying for deliverance. Upon being vomited onto dry land, Jonah is called once more to go to Nineveh. But will this brash prophet finally heed God's word, or foolishly attempt to evade His purpose again? This program originally aired October 18, 2023.The story of Jonah is one of the most fascinating tales in the Bible, yet also one of the most perplexing. God called, but Jonah ran the other way. You know the story - the disobedient prophet thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish. But there's much more to Jonah's tale than a big fish story. Jonah wrestled with a merciful God as he delivered a message of repentance to Israel's enemies in Nineveh. Why did Jonah resist God's call? How did the people of Nineveh respond? What do we make of this bitter prophet who would rather die than see his enemies receive grace? Dive deeper into this odd but meaningful story of rebellion, redemption, and the radical compassion of God that extends to all people.

The Rev. Phillip Fischaber, pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Walnut, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 14:26-52.This passage depicts the poignant moments leading up to Jesus' betrayal and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. After sharing the Last Supper with his disciples, Jesus foretells Peter's denial and leads them to Gethsemane to pray. Overwhelmed with sorrow, Jesus wrestles with the weight of his impending sacrifice while his disciples struggle to stay awake. Judas arrives, signaling Jesus' arrest with a kiss, leading to a brief but intense moment where a disciple draws a sword in defense, swiftly ended by Jesus.Beneath the fast-paced action of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark lies a profound theological message: we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Though Jesus performs mighty deeds and calls people to repent, they repeatedly fail to understand his true identity and mission. Even his disciples abandon him in his darkest hour. Yet Jesus willingly suffers and dies on the cross as a ransom for many, accomplishing what we could not do ourselves - securing our justification before God. Mark presents Jesus not just as a miracle worker but as the divine Savior whose atoning sacrifice makes salvation possible for lost sinners.

The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 14:1-25.In Bethany, a devoted woman anoints Jesus with costly perfume, much to the consternation of those like Judas who saw it as a waste. Then, even as Jesus faces betrayal by Judas and denial by His own disciples, He lovingly serves them at a final Passover meal where He institutes the Lord's Supper, declaring that the bread and wine is His body and blood, given and poured out for the forgiveness of sins. Despite the disciples' future abandonment, Jesus comforts them with this promise of salvation.Beneath the fast-paced action of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark lies a profound theological message: we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Though Jesus performs mighty deeds and calls people to repent, they repeatedly fail to understand his true identity and mission. Even his disciples abandon him in his darkest hour. Yet Jesus willingly suffers and dies on the cross as a ransom for many, accomplishing what we could not do ourselves - securing our justification before God. Mark presents Jesus not just as a miracle worker but as the divine Savior whose atoning sacrifice makes salvation possible for lost sinners.

The Rev. Peter Burfeind, pastor of Agnus Dei Lutheran Church in Marshall, MI & Our Savior Lutheran Church in Union City, MI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 13.Jesus delivers an urgent warning to his disciples about tumultuous events to come before his return - false messiahs, wars, natural disasters, persecution. He advises them to stay alert and steadfast in their faith despite the trials ahead because the Son of Man's return will be sudden and only the Father knows the hour.Beneath the fast-paced action of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark lies a profound theological message: we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Though Jesus performs mighty deeds and calls people to repent, they repeatedly fail to understand his true identity and mission. Even his disciples abandon him in his darkest hour. Yet Jesus willingly suffers and dies on the cross as a ransom for many, accomplishing what we could not do ourselves - securing our justification before God. Mark presents Jesus not just as a miracle worker but as the divine Savior whose atoning sacrifice makes salvation possible for lost sinners.

The Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Churches in Pine Lawn, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 12:18-44.Jesus is challenged by the Sadducees regarding the concept of resurrection and then by one of the scribes on what the greatest commandment is. After Jesus rebuffs these challenges with his infinite wisdom, he then shames the ostentatious displays of wealth by the wealthy with the sacrificial giving of a poor widow. Jesus underscores the value of her humble offering, emphasizing that it surpasses the significance of the larger contributions.Beneath the fast-paced action of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark lies a profound theological message: we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Though Jesus performs mighty deeds and calls people to repent, they repeatedly fail to understand his true identity and mission. Even his disciples abandon him in his darkest hour. Yet Jesus willingly suffers and dies on the cross as a ransom for many, accomplishing what we could not do ourselves - securing our justification before God. Mark presents Jesus not just as a miracle worker but as the divine Savior whose atoning sacrifice makes salvation possible for lost sinners.

The Rev. Jesse Baker, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Hardwick, MN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 11:27-12:17.The chief priests, scribes, and elders challenge Jesus' authority to teach and perform miracles. Jesus responds with a question about John the Baptist's authority, leaving them unable to answer. He then shares the parable of the tenants, illustrating God's rejection of Israel's religious leaders. The Pharisees and Herodians try to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes, but he cleverly responds, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."Beneath the fast-paced action of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark lies a profound theological message: we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Though Jesus performs mighty deeds and calls people to repent, they repeatedly fail to understand his true identity and mission. Even his disciples abandon him in his darkest hour. Yet Jesus willingly suffers and dies on the cross as a ransom for many, accomplishing what we could not do ourselves - securing our justification before God. Mark presents Jesus not just as a miracle worker but as the divine Savior whose atoning sacrifice makes salvation possible for lost sinners.

The Rev. Thomas Eckstein, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 11:1-26.As Jesus rides triumphantly into Jerusalem on a colt, greeted by jubilant crowds waving palm branches, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. Yet, beneath the surface, tension simmers as Jesus confronts the religious establishment and challenges their practices. We then witness a powerful demonstration of Jesus' authority, as he curses a barren fig tree, and cleanses the temple, symbolizing the impending judgment.Beneath the fast-paced action of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark lies a profound theological message: we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Though Jesus performs mighty deeds and calls people to repent, they repeatedly fail to understand his true identity and mission. Even his disciples abandon him in his darkest hour. Yet Jesus willingly suffers and dies on the cross as a ransom for many, accomplishing what we could not do ourselves - securing our justification before God. Mark presents Jesus not just as a miracle worker but as the divine Savior whose atoning sacrifice makes salvation possible for lost sinners.

The Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 10:32-52. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/WrestlingWithTheBasics.Jesus predicts his death and resurrection for the third time, and he explains to his disciples the true meaning of greatness and service in his kingdom. He also heals a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, who recognizes him as the Son of David and follows him on the way to Jerusalem.Beneath the fast-paced action of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark lies a profound theological message: we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Though Jesus performs mighty deeds and calls people to repent, they repeatedly fail to understand his true identity and mission. Even his disciples abandon him in his darkest hour. Yet Jesus willingly suffers and dies on the cross as a ransom for many, accomplishing what we could not do ourselves - securing our justification before God. Mark presents Jesus not just as a miracle worker but as the divine Savior whose atoning sacrifice makes salvation possible for lost sinners.