Thy Strong Word From Kfuo Radio

“In the beginning was the Word…” As our Advent journey reaches its climax, St. John pulls back the curtain to reveal the deepest mystery of Christmas: the Child of Bethlehem is the eternal Word through whom all things were made. In part 12, the final installment of our special series connecting Old Testament prophecy to New Testament fulfillment, we move from manger scenes to cosmic glory. The true Light that shines in the darkness has come into the world; He pitches His tent among us, full of grace and truth, that from His fullness we might receive grace upon grace.  The Rev. Jacob Hercamp, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Noblesville, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 1:1–18.  To learn more about Christ Lutheran, visit clc-in.org. This Advent series begins by covering the last Old Testament prophet, Malachi, and then spends twelve episodes alternating between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment, tracing God's promises from Isaiah to the birth of Christ. The series e

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.” Isaiah’s words paint a vivid picture of the Messiah’s mission: proclaiming liberty to captives, opening the prison to those who are bound, and announcing the year of the LORD’s favor. In part 11 of our special 12-part series connecting Old Testament prophecy to New Testament fulfillment, we explore the Servant who clothes His people with garments of salvation and robes of righteousness. These words will one day be read from a synagogue scroll in Nazareth as Jesus declares that this Scripture is fulfilled in their hearing.  The Rev. Dan Eddy, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Beloit, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Isaiah 61:1–11.  To learn more about Messiah Lutheran, visit mlcbeloit.com. This Advent series begins by covering the last Old Testament prophet, Malachi, and then spends twelve episodes alternating between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment, tracing God's

“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word.” In Jerusalem’s aging temple, the Child of Bethlehem is placed into the arms of those who have waited a lifetime to see the Lord’s Christ. In part 10 of our special 12-part series connecting Old Testament prophecy to New Testament fulfillment, the joy of Christmas begins to cast the shadow of the cross. Simeon blesses the holy family yet foretells that a sword will pierce Mary’s own soul also, even as Anna rejoices and speaks of the child to all who are waiting for redemption.  The Rev. Matthew Kusch, pastor of King of Glory Lutheran Church in Elgin, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 2:21–40.  To learn more about King of Glory Lutheran, visit kogelgin.org. This Advent series begins by covering the last Old Testament prophet, Malachi, and then spends twelve episodes alternating between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment, tracing God's promises from Isaiah to the birth of Christ. The series e

“Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up.” Yet the Servant Isaiah describes is not adorned in visible splendor but “despised and rejected,” a Man of Sorrows acquainted with grief. In part 9 of our special 12-part series connecting Old Testament prophecy to New Testament fulfillment, we stand before one of the most profound portraits of the Messiah in all of Scripture. Here we see the One who bears our griefs, carries our sorrows, is wounded for our transgressions, and by whose stripes we are healed. The Rev. Chris Matthis, senior pastor of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Castle Rock, CO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Isaiah 52:13–53:12.  To learn more about Epiphany Lutheran, visit epiphanylc.org. This Advent series begins by covering the last Old Testament prophet, Malachi, and then spends twelve episodes alternating between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment, tracing God's promises from Isaiah to the birth of Christ. The series explores Emmanuel's p

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Under Caesar’s census, the world seems ruled by distant power, yet God quietly keeps His ancient promises in a crowded Bethlehem stable. In part 8 of our special 12-part series connecting Old Testament prophecy to New Testament fulfillment, we move from the shadows of promise to the bright light of fulfillment as the long-awaited Son is given. Angelic hosts flood the night sky with praise, lowly shepherds become the first evangelists, and Mary treasures these things in her heart as heaven proclaims peace on earth to those on whom God’s favor rests.  The Rev. Zelwyn Heide, pastor of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hannover, ND and Zion Lutheran Church in New Salem, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 2:1–21.  To learn more about St. Peter and Zion Lutheran Churches, visit stpeterzion.org. This Advent series begins by covering the last Old Testament prophet, Malachi, and then spends twelve episodes alternatin

“When they say to you, ‘Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers’… should not a people inquire of their God?” In the dark days of Ahaz, Judah turns to superstition and political schemes instead of trusting the Lord. The result is gloom, fear, and thick darkness. Yet into that same darkness Isaiah speaks a breathtaking promise: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” In part 7 of our special 12-part series connecting Old Testament prophecy to New Testament fulfillment, we follow the movement from judgment to hope; from stumbling over the stone of offense to the dawning of a great light in Galilee of the nations. The promised Child, the Son who is given, will be God himself.  The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Isaiah 8:19–9:7.  To learn more about Trinity in Edwardsville, visit trinitylutheranministries.org. This Advent series begins by covering the last Old Testament prophet, Malachi, and then spends

"His name is John." With this written declaration, Zechariah’s silence ends and his speech is restored. In part 6 of a special 12-part series connecting Old Testament prophecy to New Testament fulfillment, we witness the birth of the Forerunner. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Zechariah prophesies the Benedictus, proclaiming that God has visited and redeemed His people. He declares that this child will go before the Lord to prepare His ways and give knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of sins.  The Rev. David Boisclair, senior pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 1:57–80.  To learn more about Our Redeemer, visit ourredeemerstl.org. This Advent series begins by covering the last Old Testament prophet, Malachi, and then spends twelve episodes alternating between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment, tracing God's promises from Isaiah to the birth of Christ. The series explores Emmanuel's promise, the Davidic King, John the

"Comfort, comfort my people, says your God." With these words, Isaiah delivers a beautiful proclamation of hope to a people in exile. In part 5 of a special 12-part series connecting Old Testament prophecy to New Testament fulfillment, we encounter the "Voice" crying in the wilderness. This Voice is St. John the Baptist, the herald who prepares the way for the Lord. He calls sinners to repentance, pointing to the truth that while all flesh is like grass that withers and fades, the Word of our God stands forever, and the Messiah has come.  The Rev. Robert Smith, pastor emeritus in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Isaiah 40:1–11  This Advent series begins by covering the last Old Testament prophet, Malachi, and then spends twelve episodes alternating between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment, tracing God's promises from Isaiah to the birth of Christ. The series explores Emmanuel's promise, the Davidic King, John the Baptist as forerunner, and reaches its climax with

"And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb." In the quiet hill country of Judea, the first confession of faith in the New Testament is made not by a scholar, but by an unborn child in the presence of the Incarnate Lord. In part 4 of a special 12-part series connecting Old Testament prophecy to New Testament fulfillment, we witness the joyous meeting of Mary and Elizabeth. As the Holy Spirit fills the house, Mary bursts into song—the Magnificat—proclaiming a God who scatters the proud and lifts up the humble.  The Rev. Mark Loder, pastor of St. James Lutheran Church & School in Howard Lake, MN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 1:39–56.  To learn more about St. James Lutheran, visit stjameshl.org. This Advent series begins by covering the last Old Testament prophet, Malachi, and then spends twelve episodes alternating between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment, tracing God's promises from Isaiah to the birth of Christ. The series explores Emm

Israel’s royal family tree has been felled, leaving nothing but a jagged, lifeless stump. The glory of David seems lost to history. Yet, Isaiah prophesies the impossible: from this dead stump, a green Shoot will emerge. In part 3 of our special 12-part series connecting Old Testament prophecy to New Testament fulfillment, we witness the rise of the Righteous Branch—the Messiah who bears the seven-fold Spirit and will bring peace so profound that wolves dwell with lambs.  The Rev. Dr. Curtis Deterding, pastor emeritus in Ft. Meyers, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Isaiah 11.   This Advent series begins by covering the last Old Testament prophet, Malachi, and then spends twelve episodes alternating between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment, tracing God's promises from Isaiah to the birth of Christ. The series explores Emmanuel's promise, the Davidic King, John the Baptist as forerunner, and reaches its climax with the Nativity. The final episodes examine the Suffering Servant,

For seven centuries, the promise of Immanuel (God with us) born to a virgin seemed forgotten. In part 2 of our special 12-part series, the silence breaks: not in a royal palace, but in the backwater town of Nazareth. The angel Gabriel announces that the wait is over to a young virgin, Mary, who will conceive by the Holy Spirit, ultimately fulfilling the prophecy of the coming Messiah. “How can this be?” Mary asks. Nothing is impossible for God.   The Rev. John Lukomski, pastor emeritus and co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 1:26-39.  This Advent series begins by covering the last Old Testament prophet, Malachi, and then spends twelve episodes alternating between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment, tracing God's promises from Isaiah to the birth of Christ. The series explores Emmanuel's promise, the Davidic King, John the Baptist as forerunner, and reaches its climax with the Nativity. The final episodes examine the Suffering S

When King Ahaz faced the terrifying prospect of war, his heart shook "as the trees of the forest shake before the wind." Desperate for security, he sought political alliances rather than divine promises. But God’s answer to national crisis wasn't a military strategy; it was a child, born of a Virgin—Immanuel. In part 1 of a special 12-part series connecting Old Testament prophecy to New Testament fulfillment, listen in as the historical drama of the Syro-Ephraimitic War, Ahaz's false piety, and messianic promise collide.  The Rev. Greyson Grenz, associate pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Monroe, MI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, to study Isaiah 7:1-17.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit tlcmonroe.org. This Advent series begins by covering the last Old Testament prophet, Malachi, and then spends twelve episodes alternating between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment, tracing God's promises from Isaiah to the birth of Christ. The series explores Emmanuel's promise, the Davi

This special Advent edition of “Headlines” features three rounds of Advent and Christmas-themed news stories, with two fabricated by the host and one real headline. The guest’s challenge is to identify the real story, which serves as a springboard for a deeper theological discussion. The conversation weaves together humor, insight, and reflections on Christ’s incarnation and return.  The Rev. Matthew Kusch, pastor of King of Glory Lutheran Church in Elgin, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to be quizzed on and unpack holiday headlines.  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.

God confronts His people's unfaithfulness, "Will a man rob God?" He calls them to return, promising blessings. The book of Malachi closes with a final, stark warning of the "great and awesome day of the LORD," a day of judgment (fire) for the wicked and healing for the righteous. It ends with the prophecy of Elijah's return to turn the hearts of the fathers and children, a promise fulfilled in John the Baptist.  The Rev. Mitchell Gowen, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Aiea, HI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Malachi 3:6-4:6.  To learn more about Our Savior, visit oursaviorhawaii.com. This Advent series begins by covering the last Old Testament prophet, Malachi, and then spends twelve episodes alternating between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment, tracing God's promises from Isaiah to the birth of Christ. The series explores Emmanuel's promise, the Davidic King, John the Baptist as forerunner, and reaches its climax with the Nativity. The final episodes examine the Su

The Lord’s warning to the priests becomes severe as He condemns them for despising His name and offering defiled sacrifices. Their unfaithfulness has corrupted the covenant of Levi. Malachi then addresses the people's faithlessness and their casual approach to divorce. God is "wearied" by their sin, and He promises to send His messenger to purify His people with a refiner's fire.  The Rev. Roger Mullet, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Buffalo, WY, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Malachi 2:1-3:5.  To learn more about Prince of Peace, visit princeofpeacebuffalo.org. This Advent series begins by covering the last Old Testament prophet, Malachi, and then spends twelve episodes alternating between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment, tracing God's promises from Isaiah to the birth of Christ. The series explores Emmanuel's promise, the Davidic King, John the Baptist as forerunner, and reaches its climax with the Nativity. The final episodes examine the Suffering Servant,

The final book of the Old Testament opens with God's passionate declaration of His unique love for Israel ("Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated"). Yet this loved people, particularly the priests, have dishonored Him. They offer blind, lame, and sick animals, a "polluted" worship they would never offer their governor. God rejects their blemished offerings and makes a stunning prophecy: His name will be great among the nations.  The Rev. Peter Burfeind, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Union City, MI and Agnus Dei Lutheran Church in Marshall, MI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Malachi 1:1-14.  To learn more about Our Savior and Agnus Dei Lutheran Churches, visit facebook.com/oursaviorunioncity and agnusdeimarshall.com. This Advent series begins by covering the last Old Testament prophet, Malachi, and then spends twelve episodes alternating between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment, tracing God's promises from Isaiah to the birth of Christ. The series explores Emmanuel's pro

The Gospel of Matthew concludes with a spectacular display of God’s ultimate power and authority over death and the grave. Jesus, who was once dead, now lives, having raised himself from the grave. An angel scares away the guards and gives the women at the tomb great news as they look for Jesus’ body: "He is not here, for he has risen." Jesus then meets His disciples on a mountain in Galilee and gives them the Great Commission: to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching, promising "I am with you always, to the end of the age."   The Rev. Dr. Steven Mueller, Vice President and Chief Mission Officer, Professor of Theology, and Dean of Christ College at Concordia University, Irvine, CA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Matthew 28:1-20.  The Gospel of Matthew bridges Old and New Testaments, presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah who fulfills the Law we could never keep and establishes His kingdom of grace for all nations. Written by a tax collector transformed by pure grace, Matthew rev

Kings don’t die like this. Kings die in palaces, surrounded by honor, not naked and nailed to a Roman cross between criminals. Kings wear golden crowns, not thorns. Yet in Matthew 27, the “King of the Jews” is stripped, spat upon, mocked, and crucified. As Jesus’ spirit departed his body, the temple veil is torn in two, earthquakes shook the land, and a Roman centurion is compelled to proclaim, "Truly this was the Son of God!"   The Rev. Steven Theiss, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Matthew 27:27-66.  The Gospel of Matthew bridges Old and New Testaments, presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah who fulfills the Law we could never keep and establishes His kingdom of grace for all nations. Written by a tax collector transformed by pure grace, Matthew reveals Christ as the true Son of David and Emmanuel (God with us) who challenges us with the crushing demands of the Law in His Sermon on the Mount to the sweet comfort of the Gospel in His death an

After Judas's remorseful and tragic suicide for the role he played in betraying the Messiah, Jesus is dragged before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate finds no fault in Him, but he is trapped between his conscience and the crowd. In a moment of political expedience, Pilate offers them Barabbas, a notorious criminal, likely in hopes that he could spare Jesus. His plan backfires when the chief priests and elders persuade the crowd to demand Barabbas's release and Christ's crucifixion. Pilate attempts to indemnify himself by washing his hands of the innocent blood he will then order to be shed.  The Rev. Donald Stein, pastor of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Rockton, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Matthew 27:1-26.  To learn more about St. Andrew Lutheran, visit standrewrockton.com. The Gospel of Matthew bridges Old and New Testaments, presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah who fulfills the Law we could never keep and establishes His kingdom of grace for all nations. Written by a tax

Jesus is led to a sham, and likely illegal, trial before the high priest Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, who seek false testimony to execute Him. He remains silent until He is put under oath and makes this divine claim: "you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power." Hope for those who believe, these words are “blasphemy” in the eyes of the Jewish leaders and for them this statement seals His fate. Meanwhile, in the courtyard, Peter, the rock, crumbles by denying three times He even knows the Lord, just as Jesus predicted.  The Rev. David Boisclair, senior pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Matthew 26:57-75.  To learn more about Our Redeemer, visit ourredeemerstl.org. The Gospel of Matthew bridges Old and New Testaments, presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah who fulfills the Law we could never keep and establishes His kingdom of grace for all nations. Written by a tax collector transformed by pure grace, Matthew reveals Christ