

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

Aug 23, 2023 • 57min
Acts 20:7-38: Eutychus is Picked up Dead
The Rev. Dr. Vernon Wendt, intentional interim pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Mounds View, MN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 20:7-38.The apostle Paul visits the city of Troas and delivers a sermon to the believers on the first day of the week. During his extended preaching session, a young man named Eutychus falls from a window and is killed, but is then miraculously revived by Paul. Sensing his imminent departure, Paul addresses the Ephesian elders, stressing his dedicated ministry, warning against false teachings, and urging them to shepherd the flock with care.The Book of Acts takes us back to the earliest days of Christianity, unveiling the incredible acts of the apostles and the growth of the early church. Acts offers a firsthand account how the Apostles and Jesus’ disciples respond to his death and resurrection. It makes us witnesses to the beginning of fulfilling Jesus’s command to spread the Gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. We encounter miracles and wonders, we see the church struggling to organize itself in the absence of Jesus, and we learn of the trials and tribulations the early Christians faced in a world that rejected them.

Aug 22, 2023 • 56min
Acts 19:23-20:6: Religious Riot
The Rev. Jacob Hercamp, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Noblesville, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 19:23-20:6.In this text, we explore the tumultuous events in Ephesus, a city driven by idol worship. Paul's teachings clash with those who benefit from lucrative idol trade which results in uproar and danger as a religious riot breaks out. Witness Paul's escape from the chaos as he stays committed to sharing the Gospel.The Book of Acts takes us back to the earliest days of Christianity, unveiling the incredible acts of the apostles and the growth of the early church. Acts offers a firsthand account how the Apostles and Jesus’ disciples respond to his death and resurrection. It makes us witnesses to the beginning of fulfilling Jesus’s command to spread the Gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. We encounter miracles and wonders, we see the church struggling to organize itself in the absence of Jesus, and we learn of the trials and tribulations the early Christians faced in a world that rejected them.

Aug 21, 2023 • 58min
Acts 18:24-19:22: Beyond the Baptism of John
The Rev. Tim Winterstein, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in East Wenatchee, WA joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 18:24-19:22.In this chapter we meet Apollos, a learned man with a passion for the Scriptures. While knowledgeable, he has yet to grasp the fullness of the Gospel. He only knows about the Baptism of John. Along comes Paul, bridging the gaps and clarifying the way of God. Witness their encounters in Ephesus, the embrace of the Holy Spirit, and the growth of the early Christian community.The Book of Acts takes us back to the earliest days of Christianity, unveiling the incredible acts of the apostles and the growth of the early church. Acts offers a firsthand account how the Apostles and Jesus’ disciples respond to his death and resurrection. It makes us witnesses to the beginning of fulfilling Jesus’s command to spread the Gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. We encounter miracles and wonders, we see the church struggling to organize itself in the absence of Jesus, and we learn of the trials and tribulations the early Christians faced in a world that rejected them.

Aug 18, 2023 • 57min
Acts 18:1-23: Tentmakers and Truth Tellers
The Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Churches in Pine Lawn, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 18:1-23.The Apostle Paul forges connections in Corinth and Ephesus. In Corinth, Paul finds camaraderie with tentmakers Priscilla and Aquila, and together they kindle a new faith community. While the Gospel message flourishes, challenges arise, prompting divine reassurance for Paul in the depths of the night. Then, as he reaches Ephesus, he plants the seeds of faith, ensuring the Gospel's roots spread deeper and wider.The Book of Acts takes us back to the earliest days of Christianity, unveiling the incredible acts of the apostles and the growth of the early church. Acts offers a firsthand account how the Apostles and Jesus’ disciples respond to his death and resurrection. It makes us witnesses to the beginning of fulfilling Jesus’s command to spread the Gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. We encounter miracles and wonders, we see the church struggling to organize itself in the absence of Jesus, and we learn of the trials and tribulations the early Christians faced in a world that rejected them.

Aug 17, 2023 • 1h 1min
Acts 17:1-33: The Unknown God—Revealed!
The Rev. Derek Waffel, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Pascagoula, MS, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 17:1-33.The Apostle Paul ventures into the heart of Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens, facing a mix of skepticism and intrigue. In Thessalonica, the message of the resurrected Jesus stirs the city to its core, leading to both uproar and belief. In Berea, the noble-hearted residents eagerly search the Scriptures to confirm Paul's teaching. But it's in the cultural epicenter of Athens where Paul's passion for the Gospel shines, as he addresses a crowd of thinkers at the Areopagus.The Book of Acts takes us back to the earliest days of Christianity, unveiling the incredible acts of the apostles and the growth of the early church. Acts offers a firsthand account how the Apostles and Jesus’ disciples respond to his death and resurrection. It makes us witnesses to the beginning of fulfilling Jesus’s command to spread the Gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. We encounter miracles and wonders, we see the church struggling to organize itself in the absence of Jesus, and we learn of the trials and tribulations the early Christians faced in a world that rejected them.

Aug 16, 2023 • 57min
Acts 16:16-40: The Fortune-Teller's Pesky Predictions
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 Acts 16:16-40.In the bustling streets of Philippi, Saints Paul and Silas encounter a slave girl with a mystifying ability to tell the future by means of a demonic spirit. Paul exorcises the demon, leading them into a dramatic confrontation with her masters. As the city rises against them, they are thrown into prison, setting the stage for an awe-inspiring midnight act of faith and a miraculous twist.The Book of Acts takes us back to the earliest days of Christianity, unveiling the incredible acts of the apostles and the growth of the early church. Acts offers a firsthand account how the Apostles and Jesus’ disciples respond to his death and resurrection. It makes us witnesses to the beginning of fulfilling Jesus’s command to spread the Gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. We encounter miracles and wonders, we see the church struggling to organize itself in the absence of Jesus, and we learn of the trials and tribulations the early Christians faced in a world that rejected them.

Aug 15, 2023 • 57min
Acts 15:36-16:15: Paul and Barnabas Go Separate Ways
The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 15:36-16:15.Paul and Barnabas prepare to set out on their second missionary journey, but a sharp disagreement over taking John Mark leads to them splitting up and going separate ways. This section introduces young Timothy, whose mixed Jewish and Gentile heritage symbolizes the inclusive nature of the new faith. Paul teams up with Silas, and their journey takes them through Asia Minor where they receive a divine call to Macedonia. There they encounter Lydia, the first recorded European convert, who opens her home to them.The Book of Acts takes us back to the earliest days of Christianity, unveiling the incredible acts of the apostles and the growth of the early church. Acts offers a firsthand account how the Apostles and Jesus’ disciples respond to his death and resurrection. It makes us witnesses to the beginning of fulfilling Jesus’s command to spread the Gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. We encounter miracles and wonders, we see the church struggling to organize itself in the absence of Jesus, and we learn of the trials and tribulations the early Christians faced in a world that rejected them.

Aug 14, 2023 • 57min
Acts 15:1-35: Must a Christian First be a Jew?
The Rev. Warren Woerth, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Arnold, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 15:1-35.In the heart of a tumultuous dispute that threatens the early Christian community's unity, a momentous gathering is called to address a crucial question: must Gentile converts first become Jews and adhere to Jewish customs and traditions to be accepted into the fold? As tensions escalate and divisions deepen, witness the heated debates, the unwavering conviction of Paul and Barnabas, and the decisive intervention of the Spirit.The Book of Acts takes us back to the earliest days of Christianity, unveiling the incredible acts of the apostles and the growth of the early church. Acts offers a firsthand account how the Apostles and Jesus’ disciples respond to his death and resurrection. It makes us witnesses to the beginning of fulfilling Jesus’s command to spread the Gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. We encounter miracles and wonders, we see the church struggling to organize itself in the absence of Jesus, and we learn of the trials and tribulations the early Christians faced in a world that rejected them.

Aug 11, 2023 • 56min
Acts 14: Faith and Loathing in Lystra
The Rev. John Zimmerman, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Scranton, PA and St. Johns Lutheran Church in Pittston, PA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 14.Paul and Barnabas venture into new territories, spreading the Gospel and facing a roller coaster of challenges and triumph. As they travel to Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, they perform miraculous healings, leaving the locals in awe. However, their divine mission attracts fierce opposition. From being hailed as gods to facing violent persecutions, their unwavering dedication to God's mission takes them through highs and lows, leaving a lasting impact on the communities they touch.The Book of Acts takes us back to the earliest days of Christianity, unveiling the incredible acts of the apostles and the growth of the early church. Acts offers a firsthand account how the Apostles and Jesus’ disciples respond to his death and resurrection. It makes us witnesses to the beginning of fulfilling Jesus’s command to spread the Gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. We encounter miracles and wonders, we see the church struggling to organize itself in the absence of Jesus, and we learn of the trials and tribulations the early Christians faced in a world that rejected them.

Aug 10, 2023 • 1h 1min
Acts 13:13-53: Rejection and Rejoicing
The Rev. Christopher Craig, pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sylvan Grove, KS, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 13:13-53.Paul and Barnabas continue their journey, spreading the Gospel in the region of Pisidia. They arrive in a city called Antioch (different from the other Antioch) where Paul is invited to speak in the synagogue. What begins as a recounting of Israel's history transitions into a powerful proclamation of Jesus Christ as the promised Savior. Opposition and conflict soon arise, and the reactions of the people are a mix of both acceptance and rejection.The Book of Acts takes us back to the earliest days of Christianity, unveiling the incredible acts of the apostles and the growth of the early church. Acts offers a firsthand account how the Apostles and Jesus’ disciples respond to his death and resurrection. It makes us witnesses to the beginning of fulfilling Jesus’s command to spread the Gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. We encounter miracles and wonders, we see the church struggling to organize itself in the absence of Jesus, and we learn of the trials and tribulations the early Christians faced in a world that rejected them.