Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio

Paul masterfully lays out profound truths about God's redemptive work. We learn that though we were once dead in our trespasses and sins, God in His great mercy has made us alive together with Christ. We who were once far off, excluded from God's covenant people, have now been brought near through the blood of Christ. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus, not by works, leaving no room for boasting. This powerful passage contains rich teachings about God's kindness and love towards us, the unity of believers in Christ, and our new identity as God's workmanship created to do good works.The Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Ephesians 2. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/WrestlingWithTheBasics.Paul's letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians contain a wealth of theology and practical guidance for living out the Christian faith. Ephesians unpacks God's overarching plan of salvation and our identity in Christ, calling us to unity and holiness in the Church. Philippians overflows with joy, encouraging us to imitate Christ's humility and develop spiritual maturity. Colossians stresses Christ's preeminence and sufficiency, warning against false teaching and exhorting us to set our minds on things above. Together these essential epistles provide incredible insights into doctrines like grace, reconciliation, and redemption while also equipping us to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel in our relationships, speech, work, and ministry. Get ready to deepen your faith as we explore the powerful messages in Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians!

The Rev. Neil Wehmas, associate pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ida Grove, IA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Ephesians 1.Come along as we dive into the Apostle Paul’s opening introduction of his letter to the Christians in Ephesus. Paul unpacks the concept of what it means to be God’s chosen ones and brings up the often misunderstood concept of predestination. We'll explore how our identity and inheritance are rooted in Christ, discovering the assurance this brings to our faith and we will unravel the practical implications of these deep theological truths for our daily lives.In this series, we embark on an illuminating exploration of Ephesians, where the apostle Paul unravels the secrets of spiritual warfare and the power of fellowship and unity. In this study, we'll dissect Paul's profound teachings on putting on the armor of God and navigating the unseen battles of life. As we navigate through its chapters, we'll explore the Apostle’s profound, God-given insights on grace, redemption, and the dynamics of faith in action.

Paul's letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians contain a wealth of theology and practical guidance for living out the Christian faith. Ephesians unpacks God's overarching plan of salvation and our identity in Christ, calling us to unity and holiness in the Church. Philippians overflows with joy, encouraging us to imitate Christ's humility and develop spiritual maturity. Colossians stresses Christ's preeminence and sufficiency, warning against false teaching and exhorting us to set our minds on things above. Together these essential epistles provide incredible insights into doctrines like grace, reconciliation, and redemption while also equipping us to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel in our relationships, speech, work, and ministry. Get ready to deepen your faith as we explore the powerful messages in Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians!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.Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.

The Rev. Paul Hemenway, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Springfield, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn “Joy to the Word.”What if I told you that one of your favorite Christmas hymns isn’t really a Christmas hymn at all? This last hymn in our Countdown to Christmas series speaks more of Christ’s return than his birth, but that doesn’t keep us singing this song to celebrate Jesus’s everlasting reign! So, open up your Lutheran Service Books to 387 and get ready as we dive into: Joy to the World. Learn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/387Celebrate the birth of our Savior with Thy Strong Word’s Countdown to Christmas, a special series where we explore 10 of the most beloved Christmas hymns found in the Lutheran Service Book. Learn the history and meaning of these beautiful carols and how they reflect the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each weekday we dive into every stanza of these classic hymns and discover the rich theology and joy it expresses. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your hearts to receive Christ anew and rejoice with Thy Strong Word: Countdown to Christmas.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.Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.Lutheran Service Book 3871 Joy to the world, the Lord is come!Let earth receive her King:Let ev'ry heart prepare Him roomAnd heav'n and nature sing,And heav'n and nature sing,And heav'n, and heav'n and nature sing.2 Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!Let men their songs employ,While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plainsRepeat the sounding joy,Repeat the sounding joy,Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.3 No more let sins and sorrows growNor thorns infest the ground;He comes to make His blessings flowFar as the curse is found,Far as the curse is found,Far as, far as the curse is found.4 He rules the world with truth and graceAnd makes the nations proveThe glories of His righteousnessAnd wonders of His love,And wonders of His love,And wonders, wonders of His love.Text InformationFirst Line: Joy to the world, the Lord is come!Title: Joy to the WorldAuthor: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748Meter: C M and refrainLanguage: EnglishPublication Date: 2006Scripture: Psalm 98; Romans 5:16-19; Revelation 22:1-5Topic: Psalm paraphraseTune InformationName: ANTIOCHComposer: George Frideric Handel, 1685-1759 (adapt.)Arranger: Lowell Mason, 1792-1872Meter: C M and refrainKey: D MajorLearn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/387

The Rev. Dr. Jason Wagner, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in High Ridge, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn “We Praise You Jesus at your Birth.”Written by Martin Luther in the early 16th century, “We Praise You Jesus at Your Birth,” is studied in this episode. Discover the story behind this timeless hymn, its translations, and its journey through history. Experience the joy and wonder of Christmas through the moving lyrics that capture the spirit of Christ’s birth.Celebrate the birth of our Savior with Thy Strong Word’s Countdown to Christmas, a special series where we explore 10 of the most beloved Christmas hymns found in the Lutheran Service Book. Learn the history and meaning of these beautiful carols and how they reflect the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each weekday we dive into every stanza of these classic hymns and discover the rich theology and joy it expresses. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your hearts to receive Christ anew and rejoice with Thy Strong Word: Countdown to Christmas.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.Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.Lutheran Service Book 382Text InformationFirst Line: We praise You, Jesus, at Your birthTitle: We Praise You, Jesus, at Your BirthAuthor (sts. 2-7): Martin Luther, 1483-1546Translator (sts. 1, 6): Gregory J. Wismar, b. 1946Translator (sts. 2, 4): F. Samuel Janzow, 1913-2001Meter: 87 88 4Language: EnglishPublication Date: 2006Scripture: Luke 2:7-14; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 1:1-3Source: Lutheran Service Book, 2006 (Tr. sts. 3, 5, 7); German, c. 1380 (st. 1)Copyright: Sts. 1, 3, 5-7 © 2006 Concordia Publishing House; Sts. 2-4 © 1978 Concordial Publishing HouseTune InformationName: GELOBET SEIST DUArranger: Jan O. Bender, 1909-94Meter: 87 88 4Incipit: 55565 12172 32165Key: C MajorSource: Eyn Enchiridion oder Handbüchlein, Erfurt, 1524Copyright: Setting © 1969 Concordia Publishing House

The Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne, MN and host of the program goes solo for this study the hymn “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”Turning now to LSB 379 we come upon a hymn originally titled "Adeste Fideles" in Latin. Its history is shrouded in mystery with a touch of political intrigue. It is believed to have been written by John Francis Wade, an English Catholic hymnist, in the 18th century but didn’t become popular until the 20th century. In this episode, Pastor Booe takes listeners through the history and meaning of this enduring Christmas carol. Learn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/379Celebrate the birth of our Savior with Thy Strong Word’s Countdown to Christmas, a special series where we explore 10 of the most beloved Christmas hymns found in the Lutheran Service Book. Learn the history and meaning of these beautiful carols and how they reflect the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each weekday we dive into every stanza of these classic hymns and discover the rich theology and joy it expresses. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your hearts to receive Christ anew and rejoice with Thy Strong Word: Countdown to Christmas.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.Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.Lutheran Service Book 3791 O come, all ye faithful,Joyful and triumphant!O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;Come and behold HimBorn the king of angels;Refrain:O come, let us adore Him,O come, let us adore Him,O come, let us adore Him,Christ the Lord!2 Highest, most holy,Light of Light eternal,Born of a virgin, a mortal He comes;Son of the FatherNow in flesh appearing!3 Sing, choirs of angels,Sing in exultation,Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!Glory to GodIn the highest: [Refrain]4 Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,Born this happy morning;Jesus, to Thee be glory giv'n!Word of the FatherNow in flesh appearing! [Refrain]Text InformationFirst Line: O come, all ye faithfulTitle: O Come, All Ye FaithfulAuthor: John F. Wade, c. 1711-86Translator: Frederick Oakeley, 1802-80 (alt.)Refrain First Line: O come, let us adore HimMeter: Irregular meterLanguage: EnglishPublication Date: 2006Scripture: Luke 2:15Tune InformationName: ADESTE FIDELESComposer: John F. Wade, c. 1711-86Meter: Irregular meterKey: G MajorSource: The Hymnal, 1940 (Setting) Learn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/379

The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn “O Jesus Christ, Thy Manger Is.”With its deep theologically rich lyrics, “O Jesus Christ, Thy Manger Is” is a beautiful example of Lutheran hymnody. Written by Paul Gerhardt in the 1600s, the struggles of his life and his deep abiding faith in Christ come out clearly in this hymn. Join us as we discuss the beautiful imagery of this hymn and how it proclaims the good news that Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection were all out of his great love for you.Celebrate the birth of our Savior with Thy Strong Word’s Countdown to Christmas, a special series where we explore 10 of the most beloved Christmas hymns found in the Lutheran Service Book. Learn the history and meaning of these beautiful carols and how they reflect the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each weekday we dive into every stanza of these classic hymns and discover the rich theology and joy it expresses. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your hearts to receive Christ anew and rejoice with Thy Strong Word: Countdown to Christmas.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.Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.Lutheran Service Book 372Text InformationFirst Line: O Jesus Christ, Thy manger isTitle: O Jesus Christ, Thy Manger IsAuthor: Paul Gerhardt, 1607-76Meter: 4 4 11 DLanguage: EnglishPublication Date: 2006Scripture: Luke 2:4-16; John 1:14; Matthew 20:28; John 17:23Source: The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941 (Tr.)Copyright: Tr. © 1941 Concordia Publishing HouseTune InformationName: IN PARADISIUMComposer: Kenneth T. Kosche, b. 1947Meter: 4 4 11 DIncipit: 33212 34323 56714Key: D MajorCopyright: © 1996, Kenneth T. Kosche

The Rev. William Orr, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in St. Ann, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn “It Came upon the Midnight Clear.”A Unitarian hymn in a Lutheran hymnal? Yes, sort of. This hymn was penned by a Unitarian Pastor, but neither the pastor himself nor the lyrics he wrote were very Unitarian. Turn with us to LSB 366, “It Came upon the Midnight Clear” and explore the history and the meaning behind this hymn. Listen and find out why our hymnals are filled with hymns from many different traditions. Learn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/366Celebrate the birth of our Savior with Thy Strong Word’s Countdown to Christmas, a special series where we explore 10 of the most beloved Christmas hymns found in the Lutheran Service Book. Learn the history and meaning of these beautiful carols and how they reflect the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each weekday we dive into every stanza of these classic hymns and discover the rich theology and joy it expresses. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your hearts to receive Christ anew and rejoice with Thy Strong Word: Countdown to Christmas.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.Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.Lutheran Service Book 3661 It came upon the midnight clear,That glorious song of old,From angels bending near the earthTo touch their harps of gold:"Peace on the earth, goodwill to all,From heav'n's all-gracious king."The world in solemn stillness layTo hear the angels sing.2 Still through the cloven skies they comeWith peaceful wings unfurled,And still their heav'nly music floatsO'er all the weary world.Above its sad and lowly plainsThey bend on hov'ring wing,And ever o'er its babel soundsThe blessed angels sing.3 All you, beneath your heavy load,By care and guilt bent low,Who toil along a dreary wayWith painful steps and slow:Look up, for golden is the hour,Come swiftly on the wing,The Prince was born to bring you peace;Of Him the angels sing.4 For lo, the days have come to passBy prophets seen of old,When down into the circling yearsCame Christ as was foretold.His word of peace shall to the earthGod's ancient promise bring,And all who take this gift will hearThe song the angels sing.Text InformationFirst Line: It came upon the midnight clearTitle: It Came upon the Midnight ClearAuthor: Edmund H. Sears, 1810-76 (alt.)Meter: C M DLanguage: EnglishPublication Date: 2006Scripture: Luke 2:13-14; Isaiah 9:4-5; Genesis 11:9Topic: SocietyTune InformationName: CAROLComposer: Richard S. Willis, 1819-1900Meter: C M DKey: B♭ MajorLearn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/366

The Rev. David Boisclair, senior Pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn, “Away in a Manger.”Flip the page in your Lutheran Service Book to hymn 365: “Away in a Manger.” The history behind this hymn is muddled. Some believed it was written by Martin Luther, but most historians attribute its origin to German Lutherans in Pennsylvania around 1885. In this episode, we will explore what we know about this simple, poignant hymn and hold up what it teaches against the Scriptures. Learn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/365Celebrate the birth of our Savior with Thy Strong Word’s Countdown to Christmas, a special series where we explore 10 of the most beloved Christmas hymns found in the Lutheran Service Book. Learn the history and meaning of these beautiful carols and how they reflect the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each weekday we dive into every stanza of these classic hymns and discover the rich theology and joy it expresses. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your hearts to receive Christ anew and rejoice with Thy Strong Word: Countdown to Christmas.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.Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.Lutheran Service Book 3651 Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay,The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.2 The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes.I love Thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky,And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.3 Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stayClose by me forever and love me, I pray.Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,And take us to heaven to live with Thee there.Text InformationFirst Line: Away in a manger, no crib for a bedTitle: Away in a MangerMeter: 11 11 11 11Language: EnglishPublication Date: 2006Scripture: Luke 2:7; Mark 10:14-16; Matthew 1:23; Matthew 28:20Source: Little Children's book, Philadelphia, 1855 (Sts. 1-2); Vineyard Songs Louisville, 1892 (St. 3, alt.)Tune InformationName: CRADLE SONGComposer: William J. Kirkpatrick, 1838-1921Arranger: James E. Engel, 1925-89Meter: 11 11 11 11Key: F MajorCopyright: Setting © 1993 Mrs. James E. EngelLearn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/365

The Rev. George Ruwisch, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Nashua, NH, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn “Silent Night, Holy Night.”Open your hymnals to page 363 and grab a candle, it’s time to study “Silent Night, Holy Night.” Whether sung in English, German, or both, this hymn has been a perennial favorite among Christians. Jesus’ birth in a stable surrounded by animals likely wasn’t as silent as this carol suggests, but it certainly was holy! In this episode, learn more about how this cherished hymn came to be and how it can help us reflect on the significance of Christ’s coming that first Christmas! Learn more: https://hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/363Celebrate the birth of our Savior with Thy Strong Word’s Countdown to Christmas, a special series where we explore 10 of the most beloved Christmas hymns found in the Lutheran Service Book. Learn the history and meaning of these beautiful carols and how they reflect the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each weekday we dive into every stanza of these classic hymns and discover the rich theology and joy it expresses. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your hearts to receive Christ anew and rejoice with Thy Strong Word: Countdown to Christmas.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.Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.Lutheran Service Book 3631 Silent night, holy night!All is calm, all is brightRound yon virgin mother and child.Holy Infant, so tender and mild,Sleep in heavenly peace,Sleep in heavenly peace.2 Silent night, holy night!Shepherds quake at the sight;Glories stream from heaven afar,Heav'nly hosts sing, Alleluia!Christ, the Savior is born!Christ, the Savior is born!3 Silent night, holy night!Son of God, love's pure lightRadiant beams from Thy holy faceWith the dawn of redeeming grace,Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.Text InformationFirst Line: Silent night, holy night!Title: Silent Night, Holy NightAuthor: Franz Joseph Mohr, 1792-1848Translator: John F. Young, 1820-85Meter: 66 88 66Language: EnglishPublication Date: 2006Scripture: Luke 2:7-16; Colossians 1:13Tune InformationName: STILLE NACHTComposer: Franz Xaver Gruber, 1787-1863Meter: 66 88 66Key: B♭ MajorSource: Traditional settingLearn more: https://hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/363