Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio

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.

The Rev. Doug Griebenaw, pastor and Mission Advocate at KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 10:1-31.Jesus confronts the Pharisees who test him on the issue of divorce, and he affirms that God’s original design was for a lifelong union between a man and a woman. He also welcomes the little children who come to him and declares that the kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it like a child. Finally, he encounters a rich young man who asks him how to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to sell everything he has and follow him.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. Kevin Yoakum, pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Riverview, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 9:30-50.Jesus and His disciples leave the region of the Decapolis and head back to Galilee, making their way southeast toward Capernaum and Jesus once again predicts his death and resurrection to his disciples privately. They did not understand but were afraid to ask more. Jesus urges humility, service, care for the vulnerable, and especially the removal of temptation. Despite their lack of understanding, Jesus prepares his followers for his betrayal and death, and for the trials and tribulations to come.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. Adam DeGroot, pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, NM, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 9:2-29.In his transfiguration, Jesus has an amazing and miraculous encounter with Moses and Elijah, revealing his glory to three disciples who were there to witness it. Later, at the foot of the mountain, a desperate father asks Jesus to heal his demon-afflicted son after the disciples failed to do so. With compassion, Jesus rebukes the evil spirit and heals the boy.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.