Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio

The Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne, MN and host of the program goes solo for this study of Ruth 3.After Ruth’s encounter with Boaz, in this chapter Naomi, feeling the weight of her loss and her daughter-in-law's widowhood, devises a plan to secure a future for Ruth. She tells her to sneak into the threshing floor where the wealthy landowner Boaz is working late at night. Ruth obeys. While Boaz is sleeping, the text says she “uncovers his feet” which startles Boaz. The next thing you know, they’re talking about marriage.The books of Ruth and Esther from the Old Testament are the only two books in the Bible named for women, and on Thy Strong Word, we delve deep into both. The book of Ruth is a story of a young Moabite widow’s faithfulness to mother-in-law and her God. In a time of famine and violence, God leads Ruth to meet and marry Boaz whose union brings about a child, Obed, who would become the grandfather of King David.

The Rev. James Stefanic, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Marshall, MN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Ruth 2.Ruth followed her mother-in-law Naomi, into Israel. As a Moabite woman, one might question Ruth’s loyalty, but she proved that she is faithful not only to Naomi, but to YHWH—the one true God. In this chapter, we see Ruth gleaning grain from the crops left over to feed the poor, as was God’s command from of old. Ruth gleans in the field of Boaz, who takes an interest in her. Her encounter with Boaz, who would become for her a kinsman-redeemer, would change everything. But what is a kinsman-redeemer?The books of Ruth and Esther from the Old Testament are the only two books in the Bible named for women, and on Thy Strong Word, we delve deep into both. The book of Ruth is a story of a young Moabite widow’s faithfulness to mother-in-law and her God. In a time of famine and violence, God leads Ruth to meet and marry Boaz whose union brings about a child, Obed, who would become the grandfather of King David.

The Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Churches in Pine Lawn, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Ruth 1.The events told in the book of Ruth are simple and beautiful, but they are made even more striking because of the chaotic and dangerous times in which they take place. In the opening chapter, we are introduced to Naomi who had lost her husband and two sons in a short time, which left her stranded in Moab, a foreign land, accompanied by her two Moabite daughters-in-law. What follows is just the beginning of a story of bravery and faithfulness to God.The books of Ruth and Esther from the Old Testament are the only two books in the Bible named for women, and on Thy Strong Word, we delve deep into both. The book of Ruth is a story of a young Moabite widow’s faithfulness to mother-in-law and her God. In a time of famine and violence, God leads Ruth to meet and marry Boaz whose union brings about a child, Obed, who would become the grandfather of King David.

The books of Ruth and Esther from the Old Testament are the only two books in the Bible named for women, and on Thy Strong Word, we delve deep into both. The book of Ruth is a story of a young Moabite widow’s faithfulness to mother-in-law and her God. In a time of famine and violence, God leads Ruth to meet and marry Boaz whose union brings about a child, Obed, who would become the grandfather of King David. The book of Esther recalls how a Jewish woman marries the Persian king Ahasuerus (Xerxes) and becomes queen. At the urging of her cousin, Mordecai, Esther uses her influence to foil a plot to exterminate the Hebrew people. Although God is not mentioned in the book, his power is at work behind the scenes. 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. The book of Esther recalls how a Jewish woman marries the Persian king Ahasuerus (Xerxes) and becomes queen. At the urging of her cousin, Mordecai, Esther uses her influence to foil a plot to exterminate the Hebrew people. Although God is not mentioned in the book, his power is at work behind the scenes. 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. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Exodus 40.We’ve arrived at the last chapter of Exodus. The Tabernacle, its furnishings, and all the accoutrements required for worship have been constructed. Now, God directs Moses to set it all up according to his divinely revealed pattern. As the chapter ends, the glory of God fills the Tabernacle, signifying that it is holy ground where he dwells among his people. The completion of this special worship place signifies a major milestone in the Israelites' journey. Their God now travels with them, and they have a place to meet him.It’s the true story of God reaching down into history and, through an unlikely prophet, redeeming his chosen people from slavery. It’s the story of Exodus, but it’s also the story of us all. How through Christ, God has liberated us from sin, death, and the Devil. Don’t miss this chapter-by-chapter study of the Book of Exodus on Thy Strong Word.

The Rev. Ryan Fehrmann, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Wausau, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Exodus 39.Now comes the creation and adornment of the vestments to be worn by the priests of Israel when serving in the Tabernacle. This penultimate chapter begins with the crafting of the ephod worn by the high priest, which was made of fine linen and gold thread. It also describes the making of the breastplate, a decorative piece worn by the high priest and adorned with precious stones. Finally, the chapter ends with the completion of all the vestments, which were worn as a sign of the priests’ consecration to God's service.It’s the true story of God reaching down into history and, through an unlikely prophet, redeeming his chosen people from slavery. It’s the story of Exodus, but it’s also the story of us all. How through Christ, God has liberated us from sin, death, and the Devil. Don’t miss this chapter-by-chapter study of the Book of Exodus on Thy Strong Word.

The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Exodus 38.The courtyard around the Tabernacle was as much a place of worship as the holy of holies. In this sacred space was the altar, where burnt offerings and sacrifices were made to God. Chapter 38 describes the creation of the altar and the copper basin, a large vessel used for ritual washing. With the courtyard’s completion, it was almost time for it all to come together for YHWH to inhabit this holy place to dwell among the Israelites.It’s the true story of God reaching down into history and, through an unlikely prophet, redeeming his chosen people from slavery. It’s the story of Exodus, but it’s also the story of us all. How through Christ, God has liberated us from sin, death, and the Devil. Don’t miss this chapter-by-chapter study of the Book of Exodus on Thy Strong Word.

The Rev. Thomas Eckstein, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Exodus 37.Construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as ordained by God on Mt. Sinai, is underway! Bezalel and Oholiab, esteemed master craftsmen, are leading the charge and ensuring that every detail is meticulously followed. This section delves into the creation of the holiest of items within the Tabernacle: the Ark of the Covenant, the radiant lampstand, and the fragrant altar of incense.It’s the true story of God reaching down into history and, through an unlikely prophet, redeeming his chosen people from slavery. It’s the story of Exodus, but it’s also the story of us all. How through Christ, God has liberated us from sin, death, and the Devil. Don’t miss this chapter-by-chapter study of the Book of Exodus on Thy Strong Word.

The Rev. Amadeus Gandy, U.S. Air Force Chaplain at Eielson AFB, Alaska, and pastor of St. Martin of Tours Mission to the Armed Forces Lutheran Parish, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the Wisdom of Solomon in the Liturgy.Most people know that our beloved liturgy is really nothing more than hearing God speak to us through his word, while we respond in prayer and praise—also through his word! The Lutheran Service Book does a good job of showing from where in the Bible each part of our liturgy comes. But did you know that some parts you recite on Sunday come from the Apocrypha? Which parts? Why? What is the Apocrypha? These questions and more will be answered on this special “Free-Text Friday” episode of Thy Strong Word.

The Rev. Dan Eddy, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Beloit, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Exodus 36.It's been a long time coming, but the moment we've all been waiting for is finally here - the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings has begun! And who better to lead this holy endeavor than the esteemed master craftsmen, Bezalel and Oholiab? These skilled laborers, blessed by God with a desire and ability to build, are now hard at work erecting the Israelites' portable worship space.It’s the true story of God reaching down into history and, through an unlikely prophet, redeeming his chosen people from slavery. It’s the story of Exodus, but it’s also the story of us all. How through Christ, God has liberated us from sin, death, and the Devil. Don’t miss this chapter-by-chapter study of the Book of Exodus on Thy Strong Word.