Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio

The Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minot, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 7:54-8:3.Confronted with Stephen's impassioned defense, the members of the Sanhedrin respond with rage, and the first martyrdom in the Church's history tragically unfolds. Amid this profound turmoil, Stephen looks to the heavens and receives a vision of divine reassurance, even as earthly events take a brutal turn. Saul, who would become St. Paul, is present giving approval to Stephen's execution. The event sets the stage for a widespread persecution that will scatter the believers—and inadvertently further the spread of 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.

The Rev. Dr. Mike Middendorf, Professor of Theology at Concordia University, Irvine, CA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 6:8-7:53.Witness the brave and faithful Stephen, one of the seven chosen to serve the early Church, step into the limelight, armed with grace, power, and wisdom. As he performs miraculous signs and engages in profound debates, his words and actions attract attention—both good and bad! Accused of blasphemy and hauled before the Sanhedrin, Stephen launches into a sweeping defense, retelling the story of God's redemptive plan from Abraham to Moses, leading up to the advent of Christ. This passage culminates in an explosive confrontation and the Church’s first martyr.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.

The Rev. Robert Moeller, Jr., pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pipestone, MN and Trinity Lutheran Church in Jaspar, MN, and St. John Lutheran Church, Trosky, MN joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 5:12-6:7.In the heart of Jerusalem, the Apostles, by the power of the Holy Spirit, perform miracles that captivate and inspire others, leading to a rapid growth in followers of Jesus. However, their burgeoning influence raises alarm with some, especially the religious authorities, who throw them in jail. Yet, the jail bars are no match for divine intervention as an angel of the Lord mysteriously sets them free, encouraging them to continue preaching. Meanwhile, within the vibrant Christian community, internal conflicts surface, threatening the unity of the faithful.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.

The Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Churches in Pine Lawn, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 4:31-5:11.Things take an unexpected turn within the early Christian community. United in heart and mind, they're living a radical life of generosity, sharing everything they have. But not everyone played by the rules. Enter Ananias and Sapphira, a couple who decide to hold back some of their cash while pretending to give it all. When they're caught in their lie, the consequences are more severe than anyone could have imagined. Does God command us to live this way today?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.

The Rev. Keith Haney, Assistant to the President for Missions, Human Care, and Stewardship in the LCMS Iowa District West, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 4:1-31.Peter and John are arrested and are brought before the Sanhedrin. They had violated the religious authorities’ order which forbade anyone from teaching the resurrection of Jesus. Peter and John now must defend themselves while the other believers wait for them outside. What might have dissuaded weaker believers, Peter and John stand firm in their faith and use this opportunity to speak truth to power.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.

The Rev. Thomas Eckstein, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 2:42-3:26.Luke details the dedication of the earliest Christians to worshiping the Lord in unity. On their way to the temple, Peter and John encounter a beggar who cannot walk. He asks them for alms, or anything! Gold and silver they don’t have. But what they gave him he could never have anticipated: he’s able to stand and walk again! Peter again delivers a sermon to the people. The people are amazed, but the religious authorities are not pleased.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.

The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 2:1-41.In this chapter, we journey back to the momentous Day of Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles, granting them the ability to speak in diverse tongues and ushering in a new era for the growing faith. Peter preaches to a bewildered and curious crowd that what is happening is a fulfilment of prophecy and is all about Jesus.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.

The Rev. Jacob Hercamp, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Noblesville, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 1.The Evangelist Luke continues the account he began in his Gospel. He recalls for us when Jesus promised a baptism of the Holy Spirit to his disciples. We come along as he then recounts for the second time Jesus’ ascension into heaven before moving on to describe how the Apostles dealt with replacing Judas, who had betrayed Jesus.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.

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.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. Jacob Heine, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 24.Driven by a restless curiosity and pride, David commands a census to be conducted throughout Israel and Judah. However, this decision incurs the wrath of God, resulting in a devastating plague that strikes the land. As the consequences of his actions unfold, David is humbled and realizes the gravity of his mistake. Through the intervention of the prophet Gad, David seeks God's mercy and receives instructions for atonement.2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart.