Thy Strong Word From Kfuo Radio

John tackles a crucial question that plagued the early church and still challenges us today: How do we know who truly speaks for God? He provides a surprisingly simple test - the acknowledgment of Jesus Christ coming in the flesh - but then expands into one of Scripture's most profound revelations about God's nature as love itself. Through this dual focus on discernment and divine love, John shows how spiritual truth-testing is important for those who are of God but love itself seeks the good of others—even those who are caught up in false teachings.  The Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 1 John 4:1-21. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/WrestlingWithTheBasics.  In these epistles, John defends the truth of Jesus Christ against false teachings, calling believers to remain steadfast in their faith and grounded in the apostolic witness. He emphasizes the essential connection between truth, love, and fellowship, urging Chris

The apostle John confronts us with a startling truth: hatred equals murder in God's eyes. Through the story of Cain and Abel, John exposes the deadly nature of hatred while revealing how Christ's sacrificial love transforms God's children from murderers into bearers of divine love. God’s Word cuts through our comfortable assumptions about what it means to be Christian, showing us there is no middle ground between love and hate.  The Rev. Delwyn Campbell pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lansing, MI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 1 John 3:11-24.  In these epistles, John defends the truth of Jesus Christ against false teachings, calling believers to remain steadfast in their faith and grounded in the apostolic witness. He emphasizes the essential connection between truth, love, and fellowship, urging Christians to walk in the light, love one another, and reject anything that denies the person and work of Jesus.  Through 1 John, we explore the ass

The Apostle John writes of God's extraordinary love that transforms us into His children, a love so profound it changes our very identity. He then paints a vivid picture of our future hope: becoming like Christ when He appears. This anticipation, John argues, should inspire us to purify ourselves. But the apostle doesn't stop there. He delves into the challenging topic of sin in the believer's life, boldly asserting that those born of God cannot continue in sin.  The Rev. Matthew Tassey, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Shawnee, OK, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 1 John 3:1-10.  In these epistles, John defends the truth of Jesus Christ against false teachings, calling believers to remain steadfast in their faith and grounded in the apostolic witness. He emphasizes the essential connection between truth, love, and fellowship, urging Christians to walk in the light, love one another, and reject anything that denies the person and work of Jesus.  Through 1 John, we explore the assurance of s

The apostle John delivers a powerful wake-up call to believers. Love for the world and love for God? They're incompatible. But that's just the beginning. John unveils the deceptive nature of worldly desires, exposes the threat of antichrists in our midst, and reveals the secret to unwavering faith. What's the connection between abiding in Christ and facing His return with confidence? Discover how John's urgent message cuts through the noise of our culture, offering a timeless guide to authentic Christian living.  The Rev. Ryan Kleimola, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Toledo, OH, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 1 John 2:15-29.  In these epistles, John defends the truth of Jesus Christ against false teachings, calling believers to remain steadfast in their faith and grounded in the apostolic witness. He emphasizes the essential connection between truth, love, and fellowship, urging Christians to walk in the light, love one another, and reject anything that denies the person and work of Jesus. 

The apostle John reveals Jesus Christ as our advocate before the Father, pleading our case and covering our sins with His righteousness. John also warns against loving the world and its fleeting desires, which are passing away, and urges believers to walk in the light, just as God is in the light. As we explore these verses, we examine the importance of obeying God's commands, loving our brothers and sisters in Christ, and overcoming the evil one, all while resting in the assurance of Jesus' advocacy on our behalf.  The Rev. Dr. Curtis Deterding, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 1 John 2:1-14.  In these epistles, John defends the truth of Jesus Christ against false teachings, calling believers to remain steadfast in their faith and grounded in the apostolic witness. He emphasizes the essential connection between truth, love, and fellowship, urging Christians to walk in the light, love one another, and reject anything that denies the person and work

John, in a sense, continues his Gospel as he introduces central themes of fellowship, truth, and light. The apostle begins with a proclamation of the eternal Word of life—Jesus Christ—emphasizing the tangible reality of His Incarnation as witnessed by the apostles. This message invites believers into fellowship with God and with one another, rooted in the joy of the Gospel. John contrasts walking in the light with living in darkness, exposing the lie of thinking we are without sin while highlighting the promise that if we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us through Christ’s blood.  The Rev. Dr. Burnell Eckardt, pastor emeritus, and editor-in-chief of Gottesdienst, the Journal of Lutheran Liturgy, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 1 John 1.  In these epistles, John defends the truth of Jesus Christ against false teachings, calling believers to remain steadfast in their faith and grounded in the apostolic witness. He emphasizes the essential connection between truth, love, and

In these epistles, John defends the truth of Jesus Christ against false teachings, calling believers to remain steadfast in their faith and grounded in the apostolic witness. He emphasizes the essential connection between truth, love, and fellowship, urging Christians to walk in the light, love one another, and reject anything that denies the person and work of Jesus. Through 1 John, we explore the assurance of salvation, the battle between light and darkness, and the call to abide in Christ. In 2 John, we are reminded of the importance of holding fast to the truth while guarding against deceivers. Finally, in 3 John, we see a personal glimpse into the challenges of church leadership, hospitality, and Christian unity. Together, these letters challenge us to live faithfully as God’s children in a world that opposes His truth. 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, breaki

This short but profound epistle centers on Onesimus, a runaway bondservant who has become a brother in Christ. Paul makes a bold, loving appeal for Philemon—his master and prominent Christian leader in Colossae, to receive Onesimus not as a slave, but as a beloved brother, embodying the reconciliation made possible through the Gospel. The Apostle appeals to forgiveness, Christian love, and the transformation of earthly relationships in light of our shared identity in Christ as he urges Onesimus to do the right thing.   The Rev. Dr. Nathan Meador, Mission Executive for the South Wisconsin District—LCMS, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Paul's letter to Philemon. 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 this quick overview of the Epistle of Jude, we hear as Jude calls Christians to "contend for the faith" against false teachers who distort God’s grace. With vivid imagery of rebellious angels, ancient judgments, and prophetic warnings, Jude unveils the spiritual dangers facing the Church. But it is not all warning—he also calls the faithful to persevere, build one another up, and remain in God’s love.  The Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Overland, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Jude.  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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

After his resurrection, Jesus meets His disciples by the sea where the familiar sound of fishermen casting nets and the waves lapping against the shore turns into an unforgettable moment of grace. There, Jesus has a meal of fish prepared for them. In this last chapter, we witness Jesus' tender restoration of Peter, transforming his shame into bold discipleship. From a miraculous catch of fish to the command, 'Feed my sheep,' this chapter shows that failure is never the end when Christ calls you by name.   The Rev. Chris Matthis, pastor of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Castle Rock, CO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 21.  The Gospel of John takes us on a journey through the Good News of Jesus in a unique way. It reveals Jesus as the incarnate son of God from eternity.  From His miraculous signs to His profound "I Am" statements, we witness Jesus offering living water to the thirsty, light to those in darkness, and life to the dead. But this is also a story of conflict: Jesus is relentlessly purs

Doubt. Fear. Locked doors. These are the marks of the disciples after the resurrection who are hiding behind locked doors. Then, Jesus enters the room, and we are made witnesses of the risen Christ as he brings peace to his fearful disciples. Thomas, wracked with unbelief, demands proof of Jesus’ identity. In love, Jesus grants his request after which God blesses Thomas with a faith that proclaims, 'My Lord and my God!' Thomas believes after he encounters Jesus in the flesh, but as Jesus points out, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”  The Rev. Jacob Hercamp, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, Noblesville, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 20:19-31.  The Gospel of John takes us on a journey through the Good News of Jesus in a unique way. It reveals Jesus as the incarnate son of God from eternity.  From His miraculous signs to His profound "I Am" statements, we witness Jesus offering living water to the thirsty, light to those in darkness, and life to the dead. But th

Before the sun rises, Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb — and everything changes. The stone is rolled away. The grave is empty. Confusion turns to wonder, and sorrow gives way to joy. In this passage, we encounter the turning point of all history: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. After she hears her name spoken by her Lord Jesus, her tears are met with triumph, and she becomes the first to proclaim, 'I have seen the Lord!'  The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 20:1-18.  The Gospel of John takes us on a journey through the Good News of Jesus in a unique way. It reveals Jesus as the incarnate son of God from eternity.  From His miraculous signs to His profound "I Am" statements, we witness Jesus offering living water to the thirsty, light to those in darkness, and life to the dead. But this is also a story of conflict: Jesus is relentlessly pursued by those who reject Him, yet He willingly goes to the cross, showing the dept

Before the sun rises, Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb — and everything changes. The stone is rolled away. The grave is empty. Confusion turns to wonder, and sorrow gives way to joy. In this passage, we encounter the turning point of all history: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. After she hears her name spoken by her Lord Jesus, her tears are met with triumph, and she becomes the first to proclaim, 'I have seen the Lord!'  The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 20:1-18.  The Gospel of John takes us on a journey through the Good News of Jesus in a unique way. It reveals Jesus as the incarnate son of God from eternity.  From His miraculous signs to His profound "I Am" statements, we witness Jesus offering living water to the thirsty, light to those in darkness, and life to the dead. But this is also a story of conflict: Jesus is relentlessly pursued by those who reject Him, yet He willingly goes to the cross, showing the dept

From the judgment hall to the hill called Golgotha, John invites us to witness the most pivotal moment in all of human history. Jesus, carrying His own cross, walks the path of suffering that will soon become the way of salvation. Soldiers mock Him, bystanders jeer, and darkness will soon fall. But what appears to be the ultimate defeat is, in truth, the moment of ultimate victory.  The Rev. Thomas Eckstein, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 19:17-42.  The Gospel of John takes us on a journey through the Good News of Jesus in a unique way. It reveals Jesus as the incarnate son of God from eternity.  From His miraculous signs to His profound "I Am" statements, we witness Jesus offering living water to the thirsty, light to those in darkness, and life to the dead. But this is also a story of conflict: Jesus is relentlessly pursued by those who reject Him, yet He willingly goes to the cross, showing the depths of God’s love. As we travel from H

Pilate asks, “What is Truth?” Jesus stands before Pilate in a profound clash between divine kingship and earthly power. As the Jewish leaders demand His crucifixion, Pilate wrestles with questions of truth, justice, and authority. Jesus reveals that His kingdom is “not of this world,” exposing the limitations of human power. Mocked, scourged, and crowned with thorns, He is presented to the crowd with the haunting words, “Behold the man!” Their reply—“We have no king but Caesar”—marks the tragic rejection of God's true King.  The Rev. Dan Torkelson, pastor of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Madison, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 18:28-19:16.  The Gospel of John takes us on a journey through the Good News of Jesus in a unique way. It reveals Jesus as the incarnate son of God from eternity.  From His miraculous signs to His profound "I Am" statements, we witness Jesus offering living water to the thirsty, light to those in darkness, and life to the dead. But this is also a story of conflict

Betrayal, arrest, and denial unfold as Jesus enters the Garden of Gethsemane, knowing His hour has come. Judas arrives with soldiers to betray Him, Peter resorts to violence, and Jesus willingly submits to arrest, demonstrating His divine authority even in captivity. As Jesus faces interrogation by Annas and Caiaphas, Peter denies Him three times, fulfilling Jesus’ earlier prophecy.  The Rev. Ryan Kleimola, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Toledo, OH, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 18:1-27.  The Gospel of John takes us on a journey through the Good News of Jesus in a unique way. It reveals Jesus as the incarnate son of God from eternity.  From His miraculous signs to His profound "I Am" statements, we witness Jesus offering living water to the thirsty, light to those in darkness, and life to the dead. But this is also a story of conflict: Jesus is relentlessly pursued by those who reject Him, yet He willingly goes to the cross, showing the depths of God’s love. As we travel from His first

Jesus' High Priestly Prayer reveals His deep intercession on behalf of His disciples and all future believers. He prays for His glorification, the protection and sanctification of His disciples, and the unity of all who will believe in Him. This profound prayer highlights themes of divine glory, mission, and the Church's unity as a witness to the world, offering a glimpse into the heart of Jesus' love and purpose as He heads toward crucifixion.  The Rev. Dr. Curtis Deterding, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 17.  The Gospel of John takes us on a journey through the Good News of Jesus in a unique way. It reveals Jesus as the incarnate son of God from eternity.  From His miraculous signs to His profound "I Am" statements, we witness Jesus offering living water to the thirsty, light to those in darkness, and life to the dead. But this is also a story of conflict: Jesus is relentlessly pursued by those who reject Him, yet He willingly goes to the c

Jesus prepares His disciples for the trials ahead, promising that sorrow will transform into joy and that the Spirit will guide them into all truth. Amid coming struggles and suffering, He offers profound comfort and hope, declaring, “Take heart—I have overcome the world.” This scene reveals the Spirit’s role and Christ’s ultimate victory, equipping believers to face whatever challenges arise.  The Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor of Crown of Life Lutheran Church, San Antonio, TX, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 16.  The Gospel of John takes us on a journey through the Good News of Jesus in a unique way. It reveals Jesus as the incarnate son of God from eternity.  From His miraculous signs to His profound "I Am" statements, we witness Jesus offering living water to the thirsty, light to those in darkness, and life to the dead. But this is also a story of conflict: Jesus is relentlessly pursued by those who reject Him, yet He willingly goes to the cross, showing the depths of God’s love. As

Jesus reveals Himself as the True Vine, inviting His followers to remain connected to Him for a life of true purpose and fruitfulness. Like branches drawing life from the vine, believers thrive only when abiding in Christ, while the Father prunes (or cleanses) them to bear even more fruit—good works that flow from faith! Through his loving discipline, God can use even the difficult times of our life for our own good and his glory. Jesus calls His disciples to a radical love for one another and warns them of the world's animosity toward them because of their hatred for Him.  The Rev. Jeremy Swem, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, MI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 15:1-16:4.  The Gospel of John takes us on a journey through the Good News of Jesus in a unique way. It reveals Jesus as the incarnate son of God from eternity.  From His miraculous signs to His profound "I Am" statements, we witness Jesus offering living water to the thirsty, light to those in darkness, and life

This special St. Nicholas Day edition of Headlines features multiple rounds of holiday-themed headlines, with two fabricated by the host and one real headline. The guest’s challenge is to identify the real headline, which serves as a springboard for a deeper theological discussion. We’ll cover the use of AI in the church, the dating of Christmas, and strange Christmas traditions. The conversation weaves together humor, insight, and reflections on the holiday season.  The Rev. Jacob Hercamp, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, Noblesville, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to explore holiday headlines.  The headlines mentioned in this episode:  https://nypost.com/2024/11/20/tech/this-church-has-an-ai-jesus-for-confessions-it-gave-me-so-much-advice/  https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-christmas-orthodox-church-calendar-b658c9ebecc91a470866c34b1c1847eb  https://witness.lcms.org/2022/why-december-25/  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Lu