Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio

Rev. Scott Adle, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church & School in Collinsville, IL joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 25.Abraham’s death was the end of an era, but the promise of a son did not end. We see how the LORD provided many sons for Abraham and Sarah, which leads to our Savior, but it did not mean that everything was perfect. The twins in Rebekah’s womb battled from the beginning which led to decisions that allowed their own desires to lead them instead of the Word of God. We are reminded of how we will allow our desires to be above the ways of the LORD, which never seems to end well, but as the LORD brought reconciliation for Jacob and Esau, in Christ, we have the hope of reconciliation with the Father and one another. “Lord God, Your promises continue throughout the generations. The promise of salvation and forgiveness extends to sinners like us, so we ask that You may continue to open our hearts in faith to trust in all of Your promises and live according to Your Word. In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Brian Davies, pastor of Lord of Glory Lutheran Church in Grayslake, IL joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 24:42-67.Laban and Bethuel heard the answer of Eliezer’s prayer and their response was “The LORD has spoken.” In faith, they trusted the LORD and Rebekah went to become Isaac’s wife. It is difficult to understand all the emotions when you allow your loved one to leave, but the few words are full of promise, “I will go.” The union of Isaac and Rebekah may not be in a Hallmark movie, but it was a reminder that God keeps His promises and from their union would come our Savior. “Lord God, help us to trust in You. As we make decisions every day that require Your help, guide us by Your Holy Spirit to remember Your promises in Christ and give glory to You. In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Adam DeGroot, pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, NM joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 24:1-41.Abraham asked Eliezer to find a faithful wife for Isaac. By faith, Eliezer went to Mesopotamia and prayed for the LORD to provide a future bride. Crazy enough, God answered with Rebekah. God worked through the process to provide for Abraham’s family, but also provide a Savior for the world through this marriage. “Lord God, as we wait on You, we ask that You continue to wait on us both hand and foot. Waiting on us by the nails for our forgiveness and providing for our daily needs of body and soul. Lord have mercy. Amen”

Rev. Terry Finnern, pastor of Mt. Calvary & St. Paul Lutheran Churches in Miltona, MN joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 23.Abraham lost his bride. He intentionally took a step back to mourn, weep, and grieve his loss. In humility, Abraham needed to request the Hittites for the opportunity to give his wife a proper burial. To lose a loved one forces us to take a few steps back and focus on what matters most. Abraham paid full price for this plot of land which reminds us that we have a God who has paid the full price of our salvation in preparation for His return. “Lord God, help us to grieve, but to do so with hope. Fill us with hope when we lose people that we love and find our certain hope in the resurrected Jesus. Amen”

Rev. Dan Eddy, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Beloit, WI joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 22.The LORD provided the promised son, Isaac. Within a short time He tests Abraham’s faith by asking Him to sacrifice this son. We do not fully understand the reason why the LORD tests His people, but it’s clear that He will provide. This story reminds us that the LORD provides a Savior who was the only Son, carried the woody cross to the mountain, and was sacrificed for our salvation. It is Christ who lays over this story to remind us that He provides all things through Him. “O Holy Spirit, help us put on Christ goggles to better understand and give thanks for the depth of the Father’s love to give up His only Son for sinners like us. Lord have mercy. Amen”

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 21.Abraham and Sarah laughed and God still fulfilled His promise. The fulfillment promised in Genesis 12 has come true which did not end brokenness in the world and tensions instantly bubble up. From Isaac would come a Savior, yet, God’s promises were not only for him, but also for Hagar and Ishmael. The events were seemingly insignificant but God provides what is needed for them and for us in Christ. “Lord God, as You fulfilled Your promises of old, may You keep Your promises among us as well. Provide for the needs of Your people as lean on the promise of Christ’s forgiveness, life, and salvation. In His name, Amen”

Rev. Stewart Crown, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Palo Alto, CA joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 20.Is it really a surprise that we see Abraham commit a sin 2x? In Genesis one does not need to watch very long before we see the need of a Savior. God is the gracious author and helper through these stories and works to prevent any confusion of the promised son. We give thanks that He carries us through our crooked paths, as He did for Abraham and Sarah, toward His promises. “Lord God, carry us through our sin to the forgiveness won by Your Son’s blood. Carry us through the trials that we may continue to grow in faith and in service to others. In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Phil Hoppe, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 19:23-38.Whenever we have sin there must be redemption. The wrath of God is extended upon Sodom, Gomorrah, valley, and everything that grew on the ground as payment for their sin. We might assume that after all this destruction Lot and his daughters would spend more time in repentance and living a new life. Yet, our sinful self is full of darkness and often overlooks the depth of God’s love, forgiveness, and mercy toward us in Christ. “O Holy Spirit, give us the gift of repentance as we see the destruction of Sodom and the horrific actions of Lot’s daughters. We realize our sins are just as deserving of wrath and we ask for Your help to live a holy life no matter the chaos. Lord have mercy. In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Jeremy Klaustermeier, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Warrenton, MO joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 19:1-22.Abraham intercedes for Sodom to save it if the LORD finds 10 righteous people. This seemed like a reasonable number, but hard hearts lead to their destruction. The whole city was so depraved that they followed their own desires instead of following the ways of the LORD. There must be payment for sin, which is not good for us as our sin is just as dark. Yet, as the LORD mercifully saved Lot and his family, He mercifully takes this wrath on Christ’s cross. “Lord Jesus, as You have made me Your own, send Your Holy Spirit upon us that we live in Your kingdom and serve You in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness. Lord have mercy. Amen”

Rev. Steven Naylor, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Grangeville, ID joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 18:22-33.God’s mercy and justice are in full effect. There is always punishment for sin but as He is merciful He holds back the punishment for the sake of the faithful. Abraham pleads with the Lord to be merciful to the grave, undeserving sinners in Sodom. The hard fact is that none of us deserve His grace, but by His love He has placed that wrath on His Son. We repent and pray with confidence due on account of Christ’s full sufficient sacrifice for our forgiveness. “Lord God, thank You for allowing us to confidently come to You as Abraham pleaded for Sodom. Keep us from sin, keep us in faith, and as Christ has taken Your wrath in our place, fill us with Your righteousness. In His name, Amen”