

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

Jul 13, 2023 • 60min
2 Samuel 23: King David’s Last Words
The Rev. Stewart Crown, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Palo Alto, CA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 23.As the epic saga of King David's reign nears its close, we delve into his poignant final testament: the last words of a mighty king and the chronicling of his legendary 'Thirty.’ These "Last Words of David" are a poetic testament of the anointed king's faith and integrity, marking a fitting prelude to the end of his rule but also pointing forward to the everlasting covenant fulfilled by Jesus.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.

Jul 12, 2023 • 57min
2 Samuel 22: David’s Song of Deliverance
The Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 22.In this chapter, we are invited into an intimate moment as King David pours out a heartfelt song of praise and thanksgiving to God. This chapter beautifully encapsulates David's personal journey, marked by triumphant victories, profound losses, and unshakeable faith. David's song gives us a stirring testament of God's unwavering protection, his deliverance from enemies, and his guidance through the trials and triumphs of life.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.

Jul 11, 2023 • 58min
2 Samuel 21: Seven Sons of Saul are Slaughtered
The Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 21. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/WrestlingWithTheBasics.The consequences of past bloodshed come back to haunt the kingdom of Israel. Famine ravages the land for three consecutive years, prompting David to seek divine guidance. The Lord reveals that the famine is a result of the bloodshed committed by Saul against the Gibeonites. In an act of justice and redemption, David reaches out to the Gibeonites, asking how he can make amends. They demand the execution of seven descendants of Saul. As the weight of this decision hangs heavy, David fulfills the demand, sparing only Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son.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.

Jul 10, 2023 • 53min
2 Samuel 20: Heads Up! Here comes Sheba
The Rev. Frank Ruffatto, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Charleston, West Virginia, and Executive Director of Peace Officer Ministries, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 20.The aftermath of Absalom's rebellion leaves a kingdom divided and teetering on the edge of chaos. As David regains control, a new crisis emerges when a cunning rebel named Sheba seizes the opportunity to challenge the king's reign. With loyalty tested and alliances shattered, David's trusted general, Joab, takes charge of the pursuit, determined to capture Sheba before his rebellion spirals out of control.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.

Jul 7, 2023 • 58min
Free-Text First Friday: Matthew 18 and Christian Reconciliation
The Rev. David Benning, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Nashville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Matthew 18.This episode explores the true meaning of forgiveness, humility, and the immense love Jesus has for every lost sinner, while contemplating on what it means to deal with conflict within our congregations. This study of Matthew 18 will reveal how we should live as members of the Kingdom of Heaven: humbly, forgivingly, and always striving for reconciliation and unity in the face of tension and sin.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.

Jul 6, 2023 • 56min
2 Samuel 19:9-43: Divvying Up the King
The Rev. Lucas Witt, assistant pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Baltimore, MD, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 19:9-43.In the aftermath of a bitter civil war, the once-mighty kingdom of Israel is wounded by division. King David, haunted by the rebellion of his own son Absalom and mourning his death, now faces the daunting task of restoring order and reclaiming his throne. Alliances are tested and old wounds resurface as David seeks to reconcile with those who remained loyal and forgive those who betrayed him.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.

Jul 5, 2023 • 56min
2 Samuel 18-19:8: Nothing’s Fair in Love and War
The Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne, MN and host of the program goes solo for this study of 2 Samuel 18:1-19:8.As the war between King David and his rebellious son Absalom begins, Absalom finds himself trapped in an encounter that seals his fate – spoiler alert: he doesn’t survive. Meanwhile, David, torn between his kingly duties and a father's love, is waiting in Jerusalem, hoping for his son's survival. As reports from the battlefront arrive, and the dust of war settles, the consequences of betrayal, the harsh reality of war, and the depth of a father's love become tragically clear.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.

Jul 4, 2023 • 1h 1min
2 Samuel 17: Hushai: David’s Inside Man
The Rev. Doug Griebenaw, pastor and Mission Advocate at KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 17.Absalom faces a crucial decision: whom to trust for his strategy against David? Ahithophel, his cunning advisor, proposes a swift and deadly strike at the king. Hushai, David’s spy and confederate, counters with a more cautious and elaborate plan. Absalom chooses Hushai’s advice, which leads Ahithophel to take his own life. David and his loyal followers cross the Jordan and prepare for battle. Absalom and his army pursue them into the land of Gilead. Who will win this bloody civil war?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.

Jul 3, 2023 • 57min
2 Samuel 16: Don’t Attend Every Fight You’re Invited To
The Rev. George Murdaugh, pastor emeritus assisting First Lutheran Church, Birmingham, AL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 16.Betrayal, curses, and a scandal are on the agenda for today. As David flees from his rebellious son Absalom, he faces enemies and encounters allies along the way. Ziba, a servant of Mephibosheth, brings him supplies and lies about his master’s loyalty. Shimei, a relative of Saul, hurls insults and stones at the fleeing king. David must decide how to respond. Meanwhile, Absalom arrives in Jerusalem and follows some wicked advice of Ahithophel. How will David respond?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.

Jun 30, 2023 • 57min
2 Samuel 15: Absalom's Revenge
The Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Churches in Pine Lawn, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 15.Absalom’s return provides him opportunity to get revenge over his father David. Absalom cunningly plots to steal the hearts of the people of Israel, gradually amassing a significant following and undermining his father's authority. As carefully positions himself as an alternative ruler, the once unshakable foundation of David's kingdom is rocked by the treachery of his own flesh and blood.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.