Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio
1,271 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★★ - 73 ratingsThy 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.
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Episodes
Galatians 4:21-31: Children of the promise
February 11, 2021 18:00 - 56 minutes - 52 MBRev. Ross Engel of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Middleburg, FL joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Galatians 4:21-31. Paul speaks in figurative language a very clear message: You are free in Christ so don’t go back to trying to find hope in the Law. As a good father tells stories to his children to make a point, Paul tells of the Old Testament figures of Hagar and Sarah. Hagar points us back to the flesh and law for comfort and Sarah points us to the freedom and promise we have with Chr...
Galatians 4:1-20: Don’t go back to slavery!
February 10, 2021 18:00 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBRev. John Shank of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Galatians 4:1-20. “Don’t go back to slavery” Paul exhorts the Galatians. In the fullness of time God sent Jesus to pay the price of our adoption, so why go back under slavery? Paul grieves if his work has been in vain. We all have the same struggles as we serve in His name, but we stand under our current identity given by the Spirit, “An heir of all God’s righteousness.” “O Holy Spirit, ...
Galatians 3:11-29: The righteous shall live by faith.
February 09, 2021 18:00 - 55 minutes - 50.4 MBRev. John Lukomski, retired LCMS pastor, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Galatians 3:10-39. “The righteous shall live by faith.” It really is that easy! The law does not bring righteousness but the promise of Abraham’s offspring, that is Christ, has been put on you. We are united together in Christ by baptism, for all are one by faith in Him. “O LORD, help us to not go back to the law for our hope. Help us to see the promise in Christ and take refuge in that promise. In Him, Amen”
Galatians 3:1-9: O Foolish Galatians!
February 08, 2021 18:00 - 56 minutes - 51.6 MBRev. Bryan Stecker, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Nashua, New Hampshire, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Galatians 3:1-9. O Foolish Galatians! Don’t go back to slavery under the law, but look to Christ in faith. By the Holy Spirit we believe that Jesus is the Christ, the same promise and blessing for Abraham is yours. We are reminded in our study that “in the Old Testament the New Testament is concealed; in the New Testament the Old Testament is revealed.” “O Holy Spirit, fil...
Galatians 2:11-21: Jesus’ purpose driven life
February 05, 2021 18:00 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBRev. David Boisclar of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Churches in Pine Lawn, MO joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Galatians 2:11-21. Paul says, “I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.” “To die for you” was Jesus’ purpose statement. Christ not only loved Peter, Paul, Barnabas, & James, but loved you in His death for you. Don’t add to your salvation, rest in this wonderful gift. “Lord Jesus, as I have been crucified in Christ through baptism, in your giving...
Galatians 2:1-10: The Gospel is worth the fight.
February 04, 2021 18:00 - 54 minutes - 49.7 MBRev. Curtis Deterding, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, FL joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Galatians 2:1-10. Paul tells of his travels to Jerusalem to meet with Peter, James, and John. As Titus and Barnabas join him on these travels, they clearly proclaim that in faith in Christ’s death and resurrection for our forgiveness, and the apostles agree that they are knitted together in this work. By this Gospel, the LORD thrusts us out to serve others, specifically the poor. “LOR...
Galatians 1:11-24: The gospel is NOT man’s gospel
February 03, 2021 18:00 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBRev. Philip Hoppe, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Finlayson & St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bruno, MN joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Galatians 1:11-24. Paul proves his apostleship, not because he was learning from the apostles, but because Jesus had revealed it to him. He also shows how the Gospel comes to all people, all nations, and all kinds of sinners---him being the worst. All his work was to His glory and that others would glorify God. “Lord God, You have set us apart by the bl...
Galatians 1:1-10: The one and only gospel
February 02, 2021 18:00 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBDr. Andrew Das, Professor of Religious Studies at Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, IL joins Rev. Brady Finnern to start our study on Galatians 1:1-10. Paul is astonished. The churches in Galatia had heard and believed in the one true Gospel of Christ’s forgiveness for His sake, but there were some who had troubled their souls with questions concerning that promise. He speaks directly to them that there is only one Gospel and any other gospel given leads to people being accursed. To Him be al...
2 Corinthians 13: Paul gives final warnings and blessings.
February 01, 2021 18:00 - 57 minutes - 53 MBRev. Brian Davies, pastor of Lord of Glory Lutheran Church in Grayslake, IL joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 13. Paul ends his letter to the Corinthians with a plea to “examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith” reminding us that to be in Christ is a daily dying and rising. He ends this epistle with words of joy, comfort, peace, love, and blessing in Christ. “O Lord, keep us faithful to Your word and grant us repentance when we fall. Raise us to a new life i...
2 Corinthians 12:11-21: Paul seeks not what is yours, but you.
January 29, 2021 18:00 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBRev. Peter Burfeind, pastor of Agnus Dei Lutheran Church in Marshall, MI & Our Savior Lutheran Church in Union City, MI joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 12:11-21. Paul desires to visit the Corinthians a third time and hopes that he will find a repentant and restored church. He cares and is concerned for them, in the name of Christ, as a father does for his children. The Corinthian church had many issues (quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit...
2 Corinthians 12:1-10: God’s grace is sufficient for you
January 28, 2021 18:00 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MBRev. Tim Winterstein, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in East Wenatchee, WA joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 12:1-10. In Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” he prays to the LORD to take this burden, but the LORD doesn’t always answer in the way we desire. Instead, He reminds Paul, and us, that “His grace is sufficient for his power is made perfect in weakness.” We will all have our thorn in the flesh moments, so we plead with the LORD to grant us contentment in Christ, who became we...
2 Corinthians 11:16-33: Paul, in Christ, is a boastful, weak, fool.
January 27, 2021 18:00 - 54 minutes - 49.8 MBRev. Adam DeGroot, Calvary Lutheran Church, Rio Ranch, NM joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 11:16-33. Paul lowers himself to the level of the “super” apostles to boast in his accomplishments. This submission proves that the Christian life is not a life of perfection, but of persecution, brokenness, and pain. Yet, in Paul’s weakness and ours, our LORD Jesus reminds us that He became weak for us and promises to be with us. “O LORD, be our strength when we suffer. Grant us pe...
2 Corinthians 11:1-15: Super Apostles? Try False Prophets.
January 26, 2021 18:00 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBRev. John Lukomski joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 11:1-15. Paul asks the Corinthians to bear with him as he addresses a little foolishness. The foolishness of the church listening to false prophets that proclaim a different Jesus, gospel, and spirit than what has been handed down to them. He reminds the church that they are the bride of Christ, sanctified and made pure by Christ---stay with him and him alone! “O Lord, You have made us holy and without blemish by connectin...
2 Corinthians 10: Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord
January 25, 2021 18:00 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBRev. David Boisclair, pastor of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Churches in Pine Lawn, MO joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 10. Paul defends his ministry not on his own commendation, but by the approval of the LORD. Paul lovingly exhorts the Corinthians to remind them that they are in Christ, they have the “weapons” to battle evil, and their boasting is in Christ. “O Lord Jesus Christ, on account of You we are approved by the Father and as You call us to serve, help us to serve f...
2 Corinthians 9: Cheerful giving
January 22, 2021 18:00 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBRev. Jason Bredeson, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sacramento, CA joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 9. The surpassing and abundance of God’s grace in Christ flows upon you in His forgiveness, grace, and salvation. From that grace Paul calls the Corinthians to be generous, according to what they decide in their hearts, which helps the needs of the saints but also brings thanksgivings to our Lord. “O LORD, help us to be generous to our neighbor, as You are generous to us...
2 Corinthians 8:16-24: All glory to Christ
January 21, 2021 18:00 - 54 minutes - 49.8 MBRev. Steven Theiss, vacancy pastor of Hanover Lutheran Church, Cape Girardeau, MO joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 8:16-24. Paul sends Titus back to Corinth with two unnamed brothers to faithfully collect the mercy offering for Jerusalem. In his earnest care for the church, Paul commends the workers and the Corinthians to faithfully collect this offering all for the glory of Christ. He reminds us of our need to do all things with good order and integrity so that His gift...
2 Corinthians 8:1-15: Why can’t you be more generous like _______________?
January 20, 2021 18:00 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBRev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 8:1-15. “See that you excel in this act of grace (giving) also.” Paul highlights the generosity of the Macedonian churches to encourage the Corinthian church to be generous to the poor saints in Jerusalem. To be generous is an act of grace which flows from the grace of God in Christ who, though he was rich, yet for your sake became poor. “O Lord, grant us a g...
2 Corinthians 7: An overflowing with joy over repentance?
January 19, 2021 18:00 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBRev. Ben Meyer, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Sunbury, OH, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 7. “I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy”, Paul lovingly tells the Corinthians with the good news from Titus that they had repented. This joy does not end with repentance, for that would just lead to worldly grief, but it throws us into the arms of our Savior who gives us forgiveness--the greatest comfort. “O Holy Spirit, lead us to repe...
2 Corinthians 6: Now is the day of salvation
January 18, 2021 18:00 - 57 minutes - 52.4 MBRev. Peter Schmidt, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Waukesha, WI, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 6. Paul shows the church that the work of the Christian is not always easy. There will be afflictions, hardship, calamities, hardships, labors, sleepless nights, & hunger, but the LORD has given us the Holy Spirit to strengthen us in the hope of Christ’s grace. Therefore be “yoked in Christ” to walk with Him. “Lord Jesus, as You have dwelt among us and You a...
2 Corinthians 5:11-21: The sinless Christ takes your sin.
January 15, 2021 18:00 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBRev. David Juhl, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Momence, IL joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 5:11-21. In Christ, you are a new creation! He died for all and that includes you. Paul challenges us to no longer see others according to the “flesh” but as one whom Christ has died. As ones now in the righteousness of God, you are an ambassador of Christ to reconcile others to Him. “O LORD, open our hearts to remember that we have Your righteousness by Christ’s cros...
Rev. Dr. Steven Schave on Luke 2:41-52
January 15, 2021 16:30 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBRev. Dr. Steven Schave gives today's sermon based on Luke 2:41-52. Today we pray for Melinda Thews who serves the Lord in Taiwan. Read her story and how to support her work at lcms.org/thews. Find your opportunity to serve at servenow.lcms.org. >> The broadcast of chapel services is brought to you by LCMS International Mission and Ministry to Armed Forces. >> Learn more at international.lcms.org and lcms.org/armedforces.
2 Corinthians 5: We walk by faith, not by sight.
January 14, 2021 18:00 - 53 minutes - 74.1 MBRev. Thomas Eckstein, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, North Dakota, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 5:1-10. “Be of good courage.” In this life our bodies and world groan due to the brokenness of this world, but as we are in Christ we know that we have a heavenly dwelling that awaits us with Him. As we walk, we do so with faith that we are declared, “good” on account of Christ’s goodness and will enjoy this heavenly dwelling with him. “O LORD, thank y...
2 Corinthians 4: Do not lose heart.
January 13, 2021 18:00 - 54 minutes - 49.8 MBRev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, Illinois, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 4. Paul reminds us, “But we have a treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” We are weak and fragile like a jar of clay. Yet, the treasure of God’s forgiveness on account of Christ, points people away from us and to His surpassing gracious power. “O LORD, may your light shine in our hearts to give us the knowled...
2 Corinthians 3: Our sufficiency is not in ourselves but through God in Christ.
January 12, 2021 18:00 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBRev. John Lukomski, retired LCMS pastor, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 3. Paul encourages the Corinthian church as they are his “letter of recommendation” as he defends his ministry against naysayers. He gives a clear proclamation, as a minister of the new covenant, of their need for the Law to bring death to the sinner and the joy of the Gospel to bring freedom in Christ. “O LORD, as we have unveiled faces in Christ, transforms us from one degree of glory to another. In...
2 Corinthians 2:1-17: Forgive the Sinner so that you are not outwitted by Satan.
January 11, 2021 18:00 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBRev. Nathan Meador, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Plymouth, Wisconsin, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 2:1-17. Paul writes to the Corinthians out of an “abundant love” that he has for each soul. He exhorts the church to forgive a repentant sinner as the forgiveness in Christ we give is not only for the sinner but also a victory over the devil’s lies. In this forgiveness, we are to be the aroma of Christ in service to Him and in love toward others. “O Lord, hel...
2 Corinthians 1:12-24: The Promises of God are YES in Christ.
January 08, 2021 18:00 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBRev. Scott Adle, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Collinsville, IL joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 1:12-24. Paul reminds the Corinthian church that he desires to visit so that they would receive God’s grace and work together in God’s joy. Paul’s arrival would not be a normal visit, but a time where he would proclaim the truth that in Christ, everything is yes for salvation, and all we can say is Amen to this grace. “O Lord, bring Your joy upon us as You have e...
2 Corinthians 1:1-11: The God of all comfort and deliverance
January 07, 2021 18:00 - 54 minutes - 49.8 MBRev. Dr. Curtis Deterding, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, Fort Myers, FL joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 1:1-11. Paul, as an apostle of Jesus Christ, writes his second letter by giving hope in the LORD, who is the source of all comfort. The first few chapters contrast much of 1st Corinthians, where Paul needed to exhort the church in Corinth to holy living. Paul clearly connects our sufferings to the sufferings of Christ, which also brings us an abundance of comfort...
NEW SERIES: Epistles of St. Paul
January 06, 2021 18:00 - 2 minutes - 2.16 MBThy Strong Word gives the gift of God’s Word to you. From January 7 until Holy Week we will receive this gift in Paul’s Epistles: 2 Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians, and I Thessalonians. We will literally travel with Paul as he encourages, exhorts, proclaims, and points us to Christ and Him crucified for Your forgiveness. Join us. Live or on demand, anytime--anywhere. God has gifts to give for you. We welcome Rev. Brady Finnern, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Sartell, MN, as ...
Acts 3: Ascended as ☧, Jesus Shares Spirit with Us
December 23, 2020 18:00 - 53 minutes - 49.4 MBHost Rev. AJ Espinosa studies Acts 3 and 2:36-47. “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” So much of Acts seems confusing because we think in such individualistic terms. But Acts is about the Christian community living as a whole. Peter doesn’t mean that every individual’s baptism will be accompanied with signs and wonders. The miracles aren’t about the strength of our belief, b...
Matthew 28: Authorized Messages, ☧ Himself Stands by Us
December 22, 2020 18:00 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBRev. John Lukomski, retired LCMS pastor, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study Matthew 28. “They gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, ‘Tell people, “His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’” We like to say that we make up our own minds, but the truth is that we take most things on authority: doctors, engineers, lawyers, researchers, wellness gurus—we take their words to heart and we spread the word. Which authorities will we believe when it co...
Luke 8: Strong Word of Judgment, Humble ☧ of the 12
December 21, 2020 18:00 - 53 minutes - 48.7 MBRev. Christopher Maronde, pastor of St. John - Bingen in Decatur, Indiana, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study Luke 8. “Nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.” Luke gives us the keys to understanding chapter 8: the Parable of the Sower is not a cute object lesson about different reactions to our evangelism efforts. The strong Word of God is a word of judgment, its light exposing what kind of soil we are, distinguish...
Psalm 102: Zion's Dry Bones Lament & Pray for ☧'s Resurrection
December 18, 2020 18:00 - 54 minutes - 49.8 MBRev. Dan Eddy, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Beloit, Wisconsin, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study Psalm 102. “You will arise and have pity on Zion; it is the time to favor her; the appointed time has come. For your servants hold her stones dear and have pity on her dust.” Amidst the “smoke” and smoldering ashes of Jerusalem, the remnant of God’s people cry out as one. The “prayer of one afflicted”—none of the other 149 psalms has such a title. Out of the depths of death, the beauti...
Esther 7: Esther Bets Her Life as ☧ Did, King Saves Face
December 17, 2020 18:00 - 54 minutes - 50 MBRev. Steven Theiss, pastor of Hanover Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study Esther 7. “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be granted me for my wish, and my people for my request. For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated.” Queen Esther prefigures Jesus Christ Himself. Her selflessness enables her to be faithful both to God as well as to her pagan hus...
Nehemiah 6: Unclean Nehemiah Bold in ☧, Aims for Walls
December 16, 2020 18:00 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBRev. Doug Nicely, pastor of Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Collinsville, Illinois, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study Nehemiah 6 and 2:1-6. “Should such a man as I run away? And what man such as I could go into the temple and live? I will not go in.” Nehemiah humbly risks his safety time and again to ensure the wall’s completion. Why were Jerusalem’s walls so important? Cyrus and Nehemiah were the least-expected instruments: a pagan emperor and an unclean eunuch. And yet, God was commanding...
2 Chronicles 36: Vassals, yet Faithful | ☧ Remains in Judah's Fall
December 15, 2020 18:00 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBRev. David Boisclair, pastor of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Churches in North St. Louis County, Missouri, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study 2 Chronicles 34 and 36:1-6. “[Zedekiah] also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God.” Ever since Ahaz, the kings of Judah were in a difficult position: they had sworn allegiance to foreign powers as vassals, but God had prohibited such corrupting alliances. And yet, God tells Judah to serve out their terms of servitude in ...
Zephaniah 2: ☧'s Grace for Josiah, Even as the Waves Hit
December 14, 2020 18:00 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBRev. Nathan Meador, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Plymouth, Wisconsin, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study Zephaniah 2. “Seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the LORD.” Like John the Baptist, Zephaniah prophesied that disaster was inevitable—God’s judgment was about to fall on Gentile and Judahite alike. Repentance can’t buy God off. And yet, when King Josiah heeded Zephaniah’s words, Judah enjoyed the gospel’s light as it re-disco...
Psalm 101: ☧ Daily Breaks the Bread-Takers, Justice Needs Mercy
December 11, 2020 18:00 - 54 minutes - 50 MBRev. Shawn Kumm, pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Cody, Wyoming, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study Psalm 101. “Morning by morning I will destroy all the wicked in the land, cutting off all the evildoers from the city of the LORD.” For a psalm about mercy, we expected something more like “Morning by morning new mercies I see”! But Psalm 101 actually complements the hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness” as well as Exodus 16:21 “Morning by morning they gathered [the mana], each as muc...
Habakkuk 1: Babylonians Defeat Babylon's King, ☧ Lives On
December 10, 2020 18:00 - 54 minutes - 50 MBHost Rev. AJ Espinosa studies Habakkuk 1. “Is he then to keep on emptying his net and mercilessly killing nations forever?” Habakkuk boldly pours forth his complaint to God, but who is he talking about? It turns out that Habakkuk and Jonah have a lot in common: Jonah didn’t want God to give the Assyrians time to repent, and Habakkuk wants the Chaldeans to come overthrow the Assyrians right away. But God says “If it seems slow, wait for it. [...] The righteous shall live by his faith.” He as...
2 Kings 16: Eclectic Power Addiction | ☧ to Assyria's Vassal
December 09, 2020 18:00 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBRev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, Illinois, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study 2 Kings 16. “I am your servant and your son. Come up and rescue me from the hand of the king of Syria and from the hand of the king of Israel.” When Judah makes a deal with the devil, they sign up for everybody’s gods. In 2 Kings 16 we see how Judah becomes even worse than Israel, effectively signing the North’s death warrant as Ahaz sacrifices his own son—to become Assyria’s so...
1 Kings 17: Elijah Speaks ☧'s Commands to Reverse Death
December 08, 2020 18:00 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBRev. John Lukomski, retired LCMS pastor, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study 1 Kings 17 and 16:29-34. “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.” We don’t even know it, but we are constantly being commanded by God, we along with everything around us. God’s Word is the powerful glue that holds everything together. God normally commands His people to feed widows and the fatherless—not the other way around. But here in...
1 Chronicles 11: Darkness to Light in ☧'s Hindsight, God's Joab
December 07, 2020 18:00 - 55 minutes - 50.6 MBRev. Kevin Parviz, pastor of Congregation Chai v'Shalom in St. Louis, Missouri, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study 1 Chronicles 11. “David said, ‘Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be chief and commander.’ And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became chief.” You can only see turning points in the rearview mirror—the ups and downs of markets, power, and human behavior make multiple narratives possible. In 1 Chronicles 11, the narrator shows how God was at work in David’s r...
Psalm 48: Universal God in Particular Times & Places, ☧ of Mt Zion
December 04, 2020 18:00 - 53 minutes - 49.4 MBRev. David Boisclair, pastor of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Churches in North St. Louis County, Missouri, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study Psalm 48. “Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers, consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation that this is God.” Psalm 48 celebrates how God protected Jerusalem from foreign invaders, sending them into “panic.” The triumphant tone lines up with the Biblical account of the Assyrian invasion of ...
Jonah 3–4: Job's Outrage | ☧ Shows Weakness to Save
December 03, 2020 18:00 - 54 minutes - 49.9 MBRev. Curtis Deterding, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, Florida, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study Jonah 3-4. “But God said to Jonah, ‘Do you do well to be angry for the plant?’ And he said, ‘Yes, I do well to be angry, angry enough to die.’” Jonah had good reasons to be angry. The Assyrians were a thousand-year empire that eventually destroyed most of Israel—why would God betray His people’s safety and security by refusing to serve long-overdue justice? But Jonah’s leafy ref...
Ruth 3: Ruth Boldly Uncovers, ☧ Redeems Abundantly
December 02, 2020 18:00 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBRev. George Murdaugh, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Douglasville, Georgia, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study Ruth chapter 3 and 4:1-6. “But when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do.” What exactly is Naomi suggesting that her daughter-in-law do? Ruth maintains a respectful tone in everything she says, but she demonstrates a certain shrewdness and boldness—not to fulfill her personal desires...
Judges 2: Baals of Canaan Assimilate | Teach ☧'s Exodus
December 01, 2020 18:00 - 53 minutes - 49.4 MBRev. Dr. Alfonso Espinosa, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Irvine, California, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study Judges 2 and Judges 1:30-36. “There arose another generation after them who did not know the LORD or the work that he had done for Israel.” How could they just “forget” or “not know” God! It’s tempting to caricature the Israelites and dismiss Judges 2 as something that would never happen to us, but Western Christianity finds itself in the same situation. We let go of ...
Deuteronomy 34: God Kills Moses, Blesses in ☧ Joshua Anyway
November 30, 2020 18:00 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBRev. Matt Zickler, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Western Springs, Illinois, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study Deuteronomy 32:48-52 and chapter 34. “You did not treat me as holy in the midst of the people of Israel. For you shall see the land before you, but you shall not go there.” What’s the big deal? Moses hit a rock with a stick—does that merit the death penalty? Holiness however isn’t about physical damages; it’s about representing God. When Moses publicly made himself and Aaron...
Psalm 46: Refuge in Body of ☧, Our Fortress, River, King in Control
November 27, 2020 18:00 - 54 minutes - 49.9 MBRev. Peter Bender, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Sussex, Wisconsin, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study Psalm 46. “Be still, and know that I am God. [...] The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Martin Luther based his hymn “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” on Psalm 46. Like the Trinity, it presents three pictures of God side by side: a “trusty shield” to defend us, like a coastal fortress that stands tall over the wind and waves; a victor “by our side,” like a ri...
Psalm 45: Intimacy with God, ☧ Pours Royal Gifts on Bride
November 26, 2020 18:00 - 54 minutes - 49.9 MBRev. Jeremy Klaustermeier, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Warrenton, Missouri, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study Psalm 45. “Forget your people and your father’s house, and the king will desire your beauty.” Psalm 45 is a totally unique psalm, the only one called “a love song” in its title. A woman of a foreign nation joins herself to God’s people as she marries the king of Israel—a picture of the repentant church. Faith belongs with true beauty and desire, and Christ uniquely bring...
Leviticus 10: ☧ Teaches Louder Than Moses & Aaron
November 25, 2020 18:00 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBRev. Nate Ruback, pastor of Grace Lutheran Chapel in Bellefontaine Neighbors, Missouri, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study Leviticus 9:22-24 and 10:1-20. “Such things as these have happened to me! If I had eaten the sin offering today, would the LORD have approved?” We often act like the world is full of good things and bad things, good people and bad people. And yet, if God is the Creator of all things and the Source of all goodness, then things aren’t so black and white. In Leviticus 10,...
Genesis 45: Resurrection of Joseph, ☧ Shuts Jacob's Eyes
November 24, 2020 18:00 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBRev. John Lukomski, retired LCMS pastor, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study Genesis 45-46:7. “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.” Perhaps no one in the Old Testament prefigures the resurrected Christ more clearly than Joseph. Like Genesis 45, Jesus would also share the good news that He was alive with his “brothers” and would invite them to “come ne...