Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio

The Rev. Jim Daub, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Havelock, NC, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Micah 3.The prophet Micah condemns, in particular, the corrupt leaders of Judah and Israel for their injustice, greed, and failure to care for God's people. God declares woe upon the political and religious leaders who rule for their own gain, accept bribes, and refuse to seek justice and righteousness. Micah warns that because of their sins, Zion will be plowed as a field and Jerusalem will become a heap of ruins. Yet even in the midst of his warnings, Micah offers a message of hope for the future.Micah, one of the few prophets of his time still faithful to God in Israel, rebukes the societal injustices of the Israelites and pronounces judgment on the wickedness of the religious and political leaders of the time. Notably, Micah is the prophet who foretells that the future messianic ruler will be born in Bethlehem. Jesus not only fulfilled that prophecy, but he embodies Micah's call for justice, mercy, and humility, bringing restoration and reconciliation through his life, death, and resurrection.

The Rev. Doug Griebenaw, pastor and Mission Advocate at KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Micah 2.The prophet continues his condemnation of injustice and social oppression prevalent in Israel. Through Micah, God denounces those who devise evil schemes and exploit the vulnerable, warning of the judgment that awaits them for their greed and cruelty. The chapter highlights how the powerful were confiscating land, displacing families, and disregarding God's principles of justice and compassion. Micah underscores that their actions will lead to their downfall and the loss of their ill-gotten gains.Micah, one of the few prophets of his time still faithful to God in Israel, rebukes the societal injustices of the Israelites and pronounces judgment on the wickedness of the religious and political leaders of the time. Notably, Micah is the prophet who foretells that the future messianic ruler will be born in Bethlehem. Jesus not only fulfilled that prophecy, but he embodies Micah's call for justice, mercy, and humility, bringing restoration and reconciliation through his life, death, and resurrection.

The Rev. Rick Jones, Chaplain and Vice President of Spiritual Life for the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, in, Minot, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Micah 1.This chapter sets the tone for the whole book, emphasizing the themes of judgment, retribution, and the need for repentance. Starting with an ominous proclamation of judgment against Samaria and Jerusalem, the prophet paints a vivid picture of impending destruction and upheaval, describing the coming devastation due to idolatry, corruption, and social injustices. Micah's message highlights God's righteous anger towards the people's disobedience and warns of the consequences they will face for their sins.Micah, one of the few prophets of his time still faithful to God in Israel, rebukes the societal injustices of the Israelites and pronounces judgment on the wickedness of the religious and political leaders of the time. Notably, Micah is the prophet who foretells that the future messianic ruler will be born in Bethlehem. Jesus not only fulfilled that prophecy, but he embodies Micah's call for justice, mercy, and humility, bringing restoration and reconciliation through his life, death, and resurrection.

Micah, one of the few prophets of his time still faithful to God in Israel, rebukes the societal injustices of the Israelites and pronounces judgment on the wickedness of the religious and political leaders of the time. Notably, Micah is the prophet who foretells that the future messianic ruler will be born in Bethlehem. Jesus not only fulfilled that prophecy, but he embodies Micah's call for justice, mercy, and humility, bringing restoration and reconciliation through his life, death, and resurrection.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. Ryan Fehrmann, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Wausau, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 15:42-16:20.Witness as the aftermath of Jesus's crucifixion unfolds dramatically. Joseph of Arimathea courageously lays Jesus in his tomb, yet three days later, the tomb is found empty, bewildering the women who came that morning to anoint his body. They encounter a radiant figure proclaiming Jesus's resurrection, setting off a chain of astonishing appearances. From encounters with Mary Magdalene to disciples journeying to Emmaus, and finally to the Eleven, Jesus confirms his victory over death.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. Gregory Alms, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in Catonsville, MD, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 15:1-41.Jesus stands trial before Pilate, the Roman governor. Despite Pilate finding no fault in Jesus, the crowd demands his crucifixion, which fulfills the prophecy. This passage vividly describes Jesus’ excruciating journey to Golgotha, the mocking by soldiers, and the crucifixion itself. It captures the agony of Jesus and some of the reactions of those around him. Most importantly, we are given the opportunity to reflect on the profound significance of his sacrificial death.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. 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.