Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio

The 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 to God’s judgement.The 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 to Him.

The 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 to Him.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.Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.

The 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, what will happen to him?’” The attitude of the Christian toward his neighbor is to reflect the attitude of Christ toward us. What does this mean? This special episode of Thy Strong Word explores the answer.

The 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, and us all, that we were once slaves to sin, but through rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, we have salvation as a gift from God, received through faith in Christ.The "Pastoral Epistles" of 1st and 2nd Timothy and Titus, written by the Apostle Paul and divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit, are a treasure trove of invaluable insights into the early Christian church and God’s expectation for its leaders. These letters, brimming with wisdom, are not relics of the past but remain authoritative today. They offer a roadmap for navigating the challenges of leadership and teaching, making them not only essential for understanding the role of pastors but also for all Christians seeking to live a life that honors God's will.

The 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-control, good works, obedience, and living in a way that honors God and reflects the message of the gospel.The "Pastoral Epistles" of 1st and 2nd Timothy and Titus, written by the Apostle Paul and divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit, are a treasure trove of invaluable insights into the early Christian church and God’s expectation for its leaders. These letters, brimming with wisdom, are not relics of the past but remain authoritative today. They offer a roadmap for navigating the challenges of leadership and teaching, making them not only essential for understanding the role of pastors but also for all Christians seeking to live a life that honors God's will.

The 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 chapter underscores the vital role of leaders in upholding the truth of the gospel and maintaining the church's integrity.The "Pastoral Epistles" of 1st and 2nd Timothy and Titus, written by the Apostle Paul and divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit, are a treasure trove of invaluable insights into the early Christian church and God’s expectation for its leaders. These letters, brimming with wisdom, are not relics of the past but remain authoritative today. They offer a roadmap for navigating the challenges of leadership and teaching, making them not only essential for understanding the role of pastors but also for all Christians seeking to live a life that honors God's will.

The 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 take on the role of an evangelist, spreading the good news of the gospel to all who will listen.The "Pastoral Epistles" of 1st and 2nd Timothy and Titus, written by the Apostle Paul and divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit, are a treasure trove of invaluable insights into the early Christian church and God’s expectation for its leaders. These letters, brimming with wisdom, are not relics of the past but remain authoritative today. They offer a roadmap for navigating the challenges of leadership and teaching, making them not only essential for understanding the role of pastors but also for all Christians seeking to live a life that honors God's will.

The 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 teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.The "Pastoral Epistles" of 1st and 2nd Timothy and Titus, written by the Apostle Paul and divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit, are a treasure trove of invaluable insights into the early Christian church and God’s expectation for its leaders. These letters, brimming with wisdom, are not relics of the past but remain authoritative today. They offer a roadmap for navigating the challenges of leadership and teaching, making them not only essential for understanding the role of pastors but also for all Christians seeking to live a life that honors God's will.

The 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 in worldly distractions.The "Pastoral Epistles" of 1st and 2nd Timothy and Titus, written by the Apostle Paul and divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit, are a treasure trove of invaluable insights into the early Christian church and God’s expectation for its leaders. These letters, brimming with wisdom, are not relics of the past but remain authoritative today. They offer a roadmap for navigating the challenges of leadership and teaching, making them not only essential for understanding the role of pastors but also for all Christians seeking to live a life that honors God's will.

The Rev. Tim Hahn, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Haxtun, CO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Timothy 1.Likely the last epistle he ever wrote, St. Paul penned 2 Timothy while awaiting his execution. The Apostle felt abandoned by those once closest to him. From behind bars, he faced the end of not only his ministry, but his earthly life. Therefore, 2 Timothy is not only the last words of a man who had staked his life on Christ, but a letter of encouragement to a young pastor on the opposite end of the journey to maintain his focus and hope on Jesus and to stay true to the Word of God.The "Pastoral Epistles" of 1st and 2nd Timothy and Titus, written by the Apostle Paul and divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit, are a treasure trove of invaluable insights into the early Christian church and God’s expectation for its leaders. These letters, brimming with wisdom, are not relics of the past but remain authoritative today. They offer a roadmap for navigating the challenges of leadership and teaching, making them not only essential for understanding the role of pastors but also for all Christians seeking to live a life that honors God's will.