Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio
1,218 episodes - English - Latest episode: 19 days 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
1 Samuel 6:1-7:2: Regret and Repatriation: Return of the Ark
May 03, 2023 17:00 - 55 minutes - 76.3 MBThe Rev. Roger Mullet, pastor of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Churubusco, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 1 Samuel 6:1-7:2. The Philistines return the Ark of the Covenant to the Israelites with a guilt offering after the statue of their god is desecrated and after suffering from tumors wherever the Ark was taken. The Israelites then offered sacrifices to God, but some were struck dead for looking inside the Ark—for acting contrary to God’s command. They then sent it to Ki...
1 Samuel 4:12-5:12: God Strikes Back: Idol Toppling, Tumors, and Tribulations
May 02, 2023 17:00 - 56 minutes - 77.3 MBThe Rev. Kevin Parviz, pastor of Congregation Chai v’ Shalom in St. Louis, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 1 Samuel 4:12-5:12. The Israelites went to battle against the Philistines and brought the Ark of the Covenant with them. In the skirmish, the ark was captured, and the sons of Eli died in battle. In this chapter, the news of the battle and the death of Hophni and Phinehas reaches Eli as well as Phinehas’ pregnant wife. God then continues to exercise his judgement against Eli...
1 Samuel 3:1-4:11: Are You There Samuel? It's me, YHWH.
May 01, 2023 17:00 - 56 minutes - 76.8 MBThe Rev. Thomas Eckstein, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 1 Samuel 3:1-4:11. Samuel, still a young boy, hears God calling him in the night. At first, he thinks it’s the voice of the high priest Eli, but it soon becomes evident that YHWH himself is calling. God reveals his judgment against the corrupt priest, Eli, and his sons. This comes to pass in the next chapter as the Israelites fight against the Philistines. The ark is captur...
Sharathon 2023 - 1 Samuel 2:12-36: Hophni and Phinehas: Worthless Sons, Wretched Priests
April 28, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 82.7 MBThe Rev. Steven Theiss, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 1 Samuel 2:12-36. This passage exposes the corruption and wickedness of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas. The Bible describes them as “worthless men,” but they were also wretched priests. They used their position for personal gain and sullied their father’s reputation. Eli fails to dissuade them from their wickedness. God's judgment against them will not only affect their own f...
Sharathon 2032 - 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11: Hannah Gives Back to God
April 27, 2023 17:00 - 59 minutes - 82.1 MBThe Rev. Dr. Michael Morehouse, pastor of Catalina Lutheran Church in Tucson, AZ, and Vicar Gabriel Strawn join the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to Study 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11. The Book of 1 Samuel opens with the unique birth of Samuel, a prophet and the last judge of Israel. We meet Hannah, a woman unable to have children, who pleads with God to give her a child. In return, she promises to dedicate her son to the Lord’s service. God answers the barren woman’s prayers and Samuel is born. True to her wor...
NEW BOOK: 1 Samuel
April 27, 2023 16:45 - 30 seconds - 711 KBThe Book of 1 Samuel beings with the unique birth of Samuel, the last judge of Israel. Soon, the people of Israel begin to press upon the aging prophet Samuel to anoint a king over them like the other nations. YHWH assures Samuel that the people are rejecting their God, not Samuel. He advises Samuel to give the people what they want. What follows is the rise and fall of King Saul, the eventual anointing and coronation of David as king, the forerunner of Jesus. It’s a true story of political i...
Judges 21: 600 Brides for 600 Brothers
April 26, 2023 17:00 - 54 minutes - 75.4 MBThe Rev. Ben Dose, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Arcadia, IA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Judges 21. After nearly wiping out the tribe of Benjamin in a civil war, the Israelites faced a dilemma: how to provide wives for the 600 surviving Benjamite men, without breaking their oath not to give them their daughters. Their solution was to attack another town that did not join them in the war and take their virgin daughters as brides for the Benjaminites. But that was not enough, ...
Judges 20: A Woman Dismembered; A Nation Divided
April 25, 2023 17:00 - 58 minutes - 79.6 MBThe Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the Judges 20. In response to the horrific crimes committed by some Benjaminite men in Gibeah against his concubine, a Levite sends parts of her body to the twelve tribes of Israel calling for retribution and justice. The tribe of Benjamin refuses to hand over those responsible. This sparks a civil war where all sides suffer heavy casualties. During the third round of battle, the ...
Gruesome and Lawless Deeds in Gibeah
April 24, 2023 17:00 - 58 minutes - 80 MBThe Rev. Keith Lingsch, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Naples, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Judges 19. How far can a society sink into moral decay and violence? In this chapter is one of the most shocking and disturbing stories in the Bible. A Levite and his concubine traveled through the territory of Benjamin and stopped at a city called Gibeah. There, they were met with a mob of wicked men who demanded to have their way with the man. The Levite gave them his concubine in...
Judges 18: Have Idol, Will Travel: The Danites Take Micah’s Priest
April 21, 2023 17:00 - 56 minutes - 76.9 MBThe Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Churches in Pine Lawn, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Judges 18. A landless tribe of Israelites, the Danites, sent out spies to find a land to conquer. They lodged with Micah, his family, and personal Levite priest. They induced the priest to come and serve their tribe, so he stole the idol and ephod Micah has made. The Danites then conquered the country of Laish, killed its people and renamed it Dan. The Book of...
Judges 17: Wasting Wealth on Worthless Worship
April 20, 2023 17:00 - 52 minutes - 72.1 MBThe Rev. Terry Yahr, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chillicothe, OH, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Judges 17. This chapter introduces us to a man named Micah. Micah admits to his mother that he had stolen silver from her. His admission only comes because he found out that she had placed a curse on whoever took it. They then both hatch a plan to override the curse. They fashion an idol, build a shrine to it, ordain one of their sons, and eventually hire a traveling Levite t...
Judges 16: Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow: Samson's Demise
April 19, 2023 17:00 - 56 minutes - 76.8 MBThe Rev. Dr. Burnell Eckardt, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Kewanee, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Judges 16. Samson’s physical strength is no match for his libido. In this chapter, he engages with a prostitute which gives the opportunity for the Gazites to attack and for Samson to demonstrate his supernatural strength. He then falls in love with a woman named Delilah, another Philistine, who is convinced by the Philistine rulers to use her relationship with Samson to d...
Judges 15: Fighting with Foxes, Fire, and a Jawbone
April 18, 2023 17:00 - 57 minutes - 78.6 MBThe Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Judges 15. Samson returns to Timnah to see his Philistine wife, but he arrives to discover that her father had already married her off to another man. Samson unleashed his fury on the Philistines, setting their crops on fire with foxes and torches. When they retaliated by killing his wife and father-in-law, he fought back with a donkey’s jawbone, killing a thousand of them. ...
Judges 14: Samson's Relationship Status: It’s Complicated
April 17, 2023 17:00 - 56 minutes - 77 MBThe Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne, MN and host of the program goes solo for this study of Judges 14. Samson eyes a beautiful Philistine girl and asks his parents to arrange his marriage to her. They disapprove but proceed with caution. Meanwhile, Samson demonstrates his holy strength against a lion and later eats honey from the lion’s carcass. Evidently, he found this amusing enough to pose it as a riddle to his Philistinian wedding guests. When they can...
Judges 13: Samson: The Last Judge in Judges
April 14, 2023 17:00 - 57 minutes - 78.8 MBThe 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 Judges 13. This chapter tells the story of a childless couple from the tribe of Dan who received a visit from the angel of YHWH. The angel announced that they would have a son who would be set apart for God’s service from the womb. The couple was astonished and fearful, but they obeyed God and prepared for their son’s arrival. They named him Sa...
Rev. Dr. Jonathan Shaw on Matthew 28:16-20
April 14, 2023 15:30 - 13 minutes - 18.2 MBRev. Dr. Jonathan Shaw gives today's sermon based on Matthew 28:16-20 for the installation of Rev. Michael Frese, Deputy Director of LCMS Church Relations. >> 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.
Judges 12: Shibboleth: A Linguistic Trap
April 13, 2023 17:00 - 58 minutes - 80.9 MBThe Rev. Doug Griebenaw, pastor and Mission Advocate at KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Judges 12. After defeating the Ammonites, Jephthah faces a new threat: the angry men of Ephraim who feel left out of the battle. Jephthah defends himself by saying that he did call them, but they did not come. Unpersuaded, they go to battle. The Gileadites set up a blockade and devise a clever test to identify any men from Ephraim who try to cross. They make them speak a particular har...
Judges 11: Be Careful What You Ask For
April 12, 2023 17:00 - 55 minutes - 76.3 MBThe Rev. Dr. Curtis Deterding, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Judges 11. Jephthah, a fearless outcast with a tragic past, is raised up by God to lead the Israelites in battle against the Ammonites. He had been rejected by his family because of his illegitimate birth, but now the people look to him for help. Despite the Spirit of God being upon Jephthah, he makes a rash and irresponsible vow to sacrifice whatever or whomever comes out...
Judges 10: The Anger of YHWH was Kindled
April 11, 2023 17:00 - 55 minutes - 75.9 MBThe Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Judges 10. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/WrestlingWithTheBasics. God raised up more deliverers, but Israel continued to chase after the gods of the nations around them, forsaking YHWH who had delivered them time and again. As a result, God allowed them to be oppressed by the Philistines and the Ammonites for eighteen years. When Israel cried out to God for help, he...
Judges 9: Abimelech’s Ambition and Jotham’s Curse
April 10, 2023 17:00 - 54 minutes - 74.7 MBThe Rev. James Price, pastor of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Wamego, KS, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Judges 9. Abimelech, the son of Gideon and a concubine, murders his seventy half-brothers and becomes the king of Shechem with the help of his relatives. Jotham, the youngest brother, delivers a powerful speech denouncing Abimelech's actions and curses him through a fable. The story culminates in Abimelech's downfall and punishment, demonstrating the consequences of ambition, ...
Free-Text First Friday: Good Friday and the Words of Jesus from the Cross
April 07, 2023 17:00 - 57 minutes - 78.8 MBThe Rev. Christopher Amen of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pipestone, MN and the Rev. Jesse Baker of St. John Lutheran Church in Hardwick, MN join the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to discuss the words of Jesus from the cross. On this special Good Friday episode of Thy Strong Word, Pastor Booe and his guests explore the final words of Jesus from the cross. From “Father, forgive them” to “into your hands I commit my spirit,” the so-called seven last words of Jesus Christ on the cross are a vivid look in...
Judges 8: The Man Who Wouldn’t Be King
April 06, 2023 17:00 - 58 minutes - 79.5 MBThe Rev. Dan Grimmer, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Mitchell, SD, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Judges 8. Gideon chases down the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna across the Jordan. He captures the kings and kills them for murdering his brothers. Overjoyed with their deliverance, the people call for Gideon to be their king, but he declines saying YHWH is their ruler. But does he mean it? Gideon makes some questionable choices in creating an ephod that the people worshipped, t...
Judges 7: God Reduced Gideon’s Army from 32,000 to 300 and Won
April 05, 2023 17:00 - 54 minutes - 75 MBThe Rev. Roger Mullet, pastor of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Churubusco, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Judges 7. God sends Gideon to confront a massive army of Midianites with only 32,000 men. But God says that’s too many! How about 300 instead? After Gideon tested God several times before believing his word that he would lead the people to victory, now God want Gideon to know that the Israelite conquest over the Midianites is not because of their strength, but because...
Judges 6: Gideon: From Fearful Farmer to Fearless Fighter
April 04, 2023 17:00 - 54 minutes - 75.4 MBThe Rev. Kevin Parviz, pastor of Congregation Chai v’ Shalom in St. Louis, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Judges 6. Gideon was not a warrior, but a farmer. We encounter him in this chapter secretly processing grain to hide it from the Midianites. God then calls the reluctant Gideon to confront the false gods worshiped by even his own family. Through miraculous signs and wonders, God patiently coaxed Gideon out of doubt and prepared him for a mighty battle that would help save th...
Judges 5: Deborah and Barak Sing of God’s Victory
April 03, 2023 17:00 - 59 minutes - 81.6 MBThe Rev. Rick Jones, Chaplain and Vice President of Spiritual Life for the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, in, Minot, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Judges 5. Judges 5 is a poetic retelling of the events of the previous chapter, where God used Deborah, Barak and Jael to defeat the Canaanite army led by Sisera. The song praises God for his intervention, celebrates the courage and willingness of the Israelites who fought, and contrasts the fate of Sisera and his mother with the peace...
Judges 4: Jael Nails Down Victory for Deborah and Barak
March 31, 2023 17:00 - 55 minutes - 76.6 MBThe Rev. Stewart Crown, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Palo Alto, CA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Judges 4. Chapters 4 and 5 describe the same events: the first in prose, the following in poetry. The story they tell is the victory of the Judge Deborah and the Israelite General Barak over the Canaanites. Barak said he’d only lead the military if Deborah went with him. Deborah told him if she came, the glory would go to a woman and not him. That is exactly what happened when ...
Judges 3: The First Three Judges: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar
March 30, 2023 17:00 - 59 minutes - 81.5 MBThe Rev. Thomas Eckstein, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Judges 3. God left some of the wicked nations in the land to see if Israel would follow Him or not. But the Israelites gave in to their lusts and married the foreigners and bowed down to their idols. Thus, God allowed them to suffer under cruel kings who oppressed them for many years, but he also showed mercy by raising up heroes to rescue them. Othniel was a valiant warrio...
Judges 2: The Lord Raises Up Flawed Redeemers
March 28, 2023 17:00 - 56 minutes - 77.9 MBThe Rev. Gregory Alms, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in Catonsville, MD, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Judges 2. As part of His covenant with the Israelites, God instructed them to drive out and destroy the inhabitants of the land. However, they failed to do so. As a result, God allowed the Canaanites and their gods to become like thorns and snares to the Israelites. Despite their unfaithfulness, God remained faithful and raised up Judges or redeemers to bring them ...
Judges 1: Israel, You Had One Job
March 27, 2023 17:00 - 56 minutes - 77.9 MBThe Rev. Matthew Lorfeld, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Judges 1. The first chapter of Judges recounts the Israelites' initial conquest of the Promised Land after Joshua's death. They had one job: to eradicate the inhabitants of the promised land. However, because they failed to drive out all the Canaanites, the remaining inhabitants became a thorn in their side. This chapter sets the stage for the rest of the book, demons...
NEW BOOK: Judges
March 27, 2023 16:45 - 27 seconds - 395 KBThe Book of Judges tells the story of Israel's descent into chaos and idolatry, and the subsequent rise of a series of judges, or redeemers, who deliver them from their enemies. The judges are flawed heroes, but they are also instruments of God's deliverance. The book ends with the Israelites in a state of moral and spiritual decay, but it also offers hope for a better future. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the ligh...
Hosea 14: Your Sins Have Been Your Downfall
March 24, 2023 17:00 - 57 minutes - 79 MBThe Rev. Steven Theiss, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Hosea 14. Now comes a final plea from God to the wayward nation of Israel, urging them to turn back to Him and receive His forgiveness and healing. God promises to restore the relationship between Himself and His people, declaring that He will "love them freely" and heal their "backsliding". The chapter culminates with a powerful reminder to trust in God alone and abandon the ...
Hosea 13: They Will Fall by the Sword
March 23, 2023 17:00 - 59 minutes - 81.2 MBThe Rev. Dr. Leonard Payton pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Forest Park, IL joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Hosea 13. God reminds the people of Israel of their past glory but warns of their impending destruction due to their rejection of him in favor of idols and military strength. The coming assault will be severe, and Hosea is explicit about the level of violence that the invading nation will inflict upon the people, even women and children. The book of Hosea is a love sto...
Hosea 12: “Ah, But I Am Rich”
March 21, 2023 17:00 - 55 minutes - 76.4 MBThe Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Hosea 12. Israel boasts of its wealth and prosperity, while YHWH reminds the people that he could easily take it all away. Prosperity does not equate to faithfulness or blessings. This chapter recalls the history of the Israelites, focusing on their ancestors Jacob and Moses. Hosea emphasizes the faithfulness of God throughout this history, despite the unfaithfulness of the peo...
Hosea 11: Out of Egypt God Calls His Son
March 20, 2023 17:00 - 55 minutes - 75.5 MBThe Rev. Dr. Michael Morehouse, pastor of Catalina Lutheran Church in Tucson, AZ, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to Study Hosea 11. This chapter is a powerful and emotional depiction of God's love for Israel, despite their constant rebellion and disobedience. God reveals himself to be both frustrated with Israel's sinful behavior, but also tenderly compassionate towards them. God's desire for His people to repent and be restored is evidence of the incredible depth of His love and mercy. It r...
Hosea 10: God’s Warning of Judgement is an Act of His Love
March 17, 2023 17:00 - 56 minutes - 77.8 MBThe Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Churches in Pine Lawn, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Hosea 10. Hosea continues to paint a stark image of Israel as a selfish vine that bears fruit for itself, not God. They've built altars and worshiped false gods, but God is not pleased. Punishment looms as their land, king, and idols will be destroyed. Hosea urges repentance and seeking God with all their heart for forgiveness and restoration. The book of Hose...
Hosea 9: Prosperity is No Protection from God’s Judgement
March 16, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 84.2 MBThe Rev. Adam DeGroot, pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, NM, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Hosea 9. Hosea prophesies a vivid picture of Israel's impending punishment for their unfaithfulness and idolatry, likening them to bad grapes unfit for consumption. He warns of the approaching judgment and their imminent fall, highlighting their religious infidelity and moral wrongdoing that thrive in their prosperous society. The book of Hosea is a love story with a twist. ...
Hosea 8: Poetic Judgement
March 14, 2023 17:00 - 56 minutes - 77.5 MBThe Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Hosea 8. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/WrestlingWithTheBasics. Hosea continues to speak God’s judgment against the people, and he’s not mincing words. The situation is dire. Using poetic language, Hosea describes how foreign armies are going to invade their land and destroy their altars and idols. But even with this dire warning, the people of Israel still put thei...
Hosea 6-7: Superficial Repentance
March 13, 2023 17:00 - 58 minutes - 80 MBThe Rev. Luke Brown, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Ellsworth, Kansas, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Hosea 6-7. A beautiful confession by the Israelites is exposed by God as merely superficial. They think the judgment will be minor. They believe that by mere outward confession and rote sacrifice they will be spared. However, through his prophet Hosea, God explains what he is looking for is steadfast love, not sacrifice; true faithfulness not lip service. The book of Hosea...
Hosea 5: When Both Priest and Prince Are Unfaithful
March 10, 2023 18:00 - 56 minutes - 77.1 MBThe Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Churches in Pine Lawn, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Hosea 5. God lays much of the responsibility for the infidelity of the people at the feet of both priest and prince alike. When the political and spiritual leaders worship false idols and abandon the way of the Lord, the people are certain to follow. The unfaithfulness is not just limited to Israel, Judah is at fault, too. Though Hosea, God declared, “[Both] have...
Hosea 4: You Shall Not Commit Idolatry
March 09, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 84.8 MBThe Rev. Paul Cain, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sheridan, WY, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Hosea 4. The prophet Hosea, now more empathetic to YHWH’s concern for the infidelity of the people, begins to deliver a lengthy indictment against Israel and their wickedness. The people openly sin and the priests lead the way. YHWH laments the lack of love for him and his statues among them and forewarns of coming judgement. The book of Hosea is a love story with a twist. It te...
Hosea 2-3: God’s Love for the Unfaithful
March 07, 2023 18:00 - 55 minutes - 75.6 MBhe Rev. Kevin Parviz, pastor of Congregation Chai v’ Shalom in St. Louis, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Hosea 2-3. Israel’s idolatry is described in terms of marital infidelity. Something that, because of YHWH’s command, Hosea is now intimately familiar with because of his marriage to the unfaithful Gomer. Hosea depicts YHWH as the betrayed husband and Israel as His unfaithful wife. We end our study with God’s command that Hosea redeem his wife, Gomer, which foreshadows the fut...
Hosea 1: Spiritual Adultery and Godly Faithfulness
March 06, 2023 18:00 - 55 minutes - 76.7 MBThe Rev. Timothy Sandeno, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Gorham, ME, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Hosea 1. Hosea was a prophet in Israel during times of great prosperity in the time of the Divided Kingdom. He was called to prophesy against the unfaithfulness of God’s people. So that he could empathize with the severity of this sin, YHWH called him to first experience this infidelity first-hand by taking on an adulterous wife. Even his children would bear names that pointed ...
NEW BOOK: Hosea
March 06, 2023 17:45 - 30 seconds - 719 KBThe book of Hosea is a love story with a twist. It tells how God commanded Hosea, a prophet, to marry Gomer, a wife who would be unfaithful to him. God wanted Hosea to feel firsthand the pain of betrayal as he sent him out to prophesy to the people of Israel how they had been unfaithful to God. Hosea still loved Gomer and pursued her and restored her as his wife. This was a picture of how God pursued Israel despite their sin and rebellion and offered them grace and mercy if they would return ...
Free-Text First Friday: Being a Christian Neighbor
March 03, 2023 18:00 - 54 minutes - 74.8 MBThe 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 Luke 10:25–37. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke of the Good Samaritan in his famous 1968 speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.” He said, “The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was, ‘If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?’ But, the good Samaritan reversed the question: ‘If I do not stop to help this man,...
Titus 3: Be Baptized & Devote Yourselves to Good Works
March 02, 2023 18:00 - 55 minutes - 75.8 MBThe Rev. Thomas Eckstein, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Titus 3. Paul begins with a call for Christians to be submissive to authorities, but not just obedient, but to not speak evil of them. He then highlights the transformative power of God's grace and its impact on Christian living. While asserting we are saved by his grace through baptism, Paul emphasizes doing good works which flow from faith is vital. Paul reminds Titus, an...
Titus 2: Teach Sound Doctrine with All Authority
February 28, 2023 18:00 - 56 minutes - 77.8 MBThe Rev. Tyler Walworth, pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Dearborn, MI, and Our Savior Lutheran Church of the Deaf in Birmingham, MI, and Administrator of St. Martin Lutheran School for the Deaf in Dearborn, MI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Titus 2. Paul provides practical guidance for living out the Christian faith. The apostle encourages different groups in the church to model godly behavior and set an example for others. Specifically, he emphasizes the importance of self-c...
Titus 1: Above Reproach
February 27, 2023 18:00 - 56 minutes - 77.8 MBThe Rev. Joshua Frazee, associate pastor St. John's Lutheran Church in Mayville, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Titus 1. St. Paul begins his letter to Pastor Titus by outlining the crucial need for church leaders to be “above reproach” and teach sound doctrine. Although expected of all Christians, as representatives of Christ, there is a higher burden on pastors in this regard. Paul then strongly warns against false teachers and stresses the importance of confronting them. This ...
2 Timothy 4: Preach, Reprove, Rebuke, and Exhort
February 24, 2023 18:00 - 56 minutes - 78.1 MBThe Rev. Steven Theiss, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Timothy 4. Paul delivers a powerful charge to Timothy, urging him to preach the word and remain faithful to his ministry, no matter the opposition or persecution he may face. Paul, fully aware of his own impending death, encourages Timothy to stay focused, keep a clear mind, and be prepared to endure any suffering that may come his way. Furthermore, he challenges Timothy to ...
2 Timothy 3: The Man of God is Equipped by the Word
February 23, 2023 18:00 - 54 minutes - 75.2 MBThe Rev. William Cwirla, pastor emeritus, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Timothy 3. Knowing that difficult times were coming, marked by people who would be lovers of themselves, boastful, and disobedient, the Apostle Paul warns that they will oppose the truth and lead others astray. He encourages Pastor Timothy to continue in what he has learned and to put his trust in the Scriptures, which are able to make him wise for salvation since Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teac...
2 Timothy 2: Pursue Truth and Share in Suffering
February 21, 2023 18:00 - 56 minutes - 77.6 MBThe Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Timothy 2. To help Timothy navigate the challenges of pastoral ministry, Paul encourages him using various metaphors, including those of a soldier, athlete, and farmer, to emphasize the importance of perseverance, focus, hard work, and patience in the Christian life. He urges Timothy to remain faithful to his calling, train himself for godliness, and avoid getting entangled i...