Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio

Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne, MN joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 18:1-21.The LORD and two angels visited Abraham. He ran to them and prepared a major feast for his guests. The LORD gives a promise to Abraham and Sarah of a child. In disbelieving joy, she laughed. She knows that the LORD is faithful but a child would be biologically impossible. We know that the LORD is faithful, but we struggle to cling to Him in trial. “Lord, as You have found me favorable in Your sight for Christ’s sake, keep us steadfast in the promises You gave and patiently give us Your Holy Spirit in our times of disbelief. In Christ, Amen”

Rev. David Juhl, pastor of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Arlington, WI joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 17:15-27.Abraham and Sarah received the promise of a son. Being 90+ years old they were quick to laugh, but they still trusted the LORD (Romans 4:20). The sign of circumcision was a promise of being part of His family AND pointing us to the hope of the promised Messiah (Galatians 5:1-3). As Christians, we are sons of Abraham by faith in the Savior and therefore circumcision is no longer needed. By faith, we are counted righteous on account of Christ. Hard to believe, but what a joy. “Lord God, renew us in faith to see the old promises for Abraham always pointed to Christ. Renew us in faith to cling to Your resurrected Christ that we may be counted righteous. In His name, Amen”

Rev. Jason Bredeson, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sacramento, CA joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 17:1-14.Abram receives the full-meal deal of promises from the LORD: a new name, promise of many nations, and the sign of circumcision. His covenant toward us is everlasting. The promise that we still have today by the blood of Christ. In Baptism, we are marked as one of His own. He gives us the fullness of salvation, reminding us to live in His covenant as His holy people. “Lord God, You have made Your mark on us to know of Your everlasting covenant in Christ and we ask for Your help to live holy lives as Your covenantal people on account of Christ. Lord have mercy. Amen”

Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church & School in Edwardsville, IL joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 16.Sarai and Abram had waited 10 years for a child and she was anxious. In our anxiety while we are waiting on the LORD leads us all to listen to other voices instead of His Word. The chaos of following the ways of the world is clearly seen in this text. In this complex relationship, we see jealousy, anger, infidelity, immorality, and conflict. Yet, the LORD is merciful and promises to Hagar were plentiful. He sees her struggles and would provide all that she needs. “Lord God, help us to wait on Your promises. Help us to stay steadfast in Your Word. In His name, Amen”

Rev. Martin Mably, pastor of Lord of Glory Lutheran Church in Elk River, MN joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 15.Abraham’s descendants would be as many as the stars in the sky. The Lord’s promises were very clear, but the timing might not be what Abram planned. Yet, the LORD patiently filled him with the promise again. The LORD gave a visual of how much He would bless him with a great name, the promised land, and a Savior—Stars. It is unfathomable to try to count the stars, which reminds us that God’s promises in Christ are beyond our comprehension. The future for Abraham’s family would not be a smooth road, but He would patiently love and care for His people. We see the patience of our LORD as He unjustly was sent to the cross without saying a word. All of this He did for our sake and our salvation. Thanks be to God! “Lord God, thank you for counting us righteous on account of Jesus. Help us to live righteous and holy lives to Your glory and in love toward others. In His name, Amen”

Rev. Brady Finnern, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Sartell, MN studies Genesis 14.Wars, rumors of wars, famine and pestilence are not only before the end of the age, but have been occurring since the fall. As kings were fighting kings, Lot was taken and Abram rescued him by God’s help. Out of nowhere priest and king Melchizedek blessed Abram and in faith, he gave 10% of everything to the LORD. Melchizedek is a unique figure in Scripture as he not only blessed Abram, but points us to Christ (Hebrews 7). This priest and king who was not from kingly and priestly lineage was brought to bless His people, yet, Melchizedek was simply a man and Jesus is the greater covenant, greater king, and greater priest. “Lord God, as You are the great High Priest, You have generously given all things, we look to You to help us to be generous to You and others. In His name, Amen”

Rev. Matthew Gunia, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ironwood, MI joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 13.Abram and Lot had come to a head. They both had great possessions which in itself is not the issue, but coveting and conflict led them to separate. Abram’s faith and love toward Lot allowed his nephew to choose where he wanted to go. Abram’s goal was for the sake of unity and seeking the LORD’s help, yet Lot had a goal of living in bountiful land for his benefit. We all fall into this temptation as we seek which direction to take in this life. It is easy to seek the instant benefits while forgetting the temptations and trials one decision can cause. The LORD provided for both Abram and Lot and we know by faith, that He will provide for us in Christ. “Lord God, keep our eyes fixed on Jesus as we walk through this life. Protect us from the temptations of the evil one and direct in the ways You have set before us. Forgive us our sins and provide for all our needs. Lord in your mercy. Amen”

Rev. Dave Hinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sauk Rapids, MN joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 12.Abram was given a “great commission” to leave his home to travel 700+ miles with many blessings to be a blessing to the world. Abram leaves his home and through him the Lord’s name will be great. To have such a calling had to be taxing, but everything was done to the LORD. Although Abram was a faithful man, temptation was real for him as he entered Egypt. Instead of trusting the Lord’s providence, he predicted the Egyptian reactions and lied. In faith, may we cling to His promises and live holy lives through temptation. “Lord God, as You called Abram, You have called us to serve in Your kingdom. Keep us steadfast in trusting in Your promises to keep from temptation to love You and love others. In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Joshua Knippa, pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Nederland, TX joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 11:10-32.Shem’s descendants bring hope. In Genesis 9, the Lord promised to bless Shem and his descendants as he was faithful to the Lord (9:25-28). His lineage leads us to understand that the LORD, for whatever reason, works through all sorts of fallen people. Abram’s family was from the ungodly country of Ur, but God chose him to follow. This is a reminder our gracious God chooses the least of these and qualifies the chosen. “Lord Jesus Christ, as You have chosen us, like Abram, to be Your people, help us to find rest in grace and bless future generations in the comfort and hope of Your salvation. Amen”

Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 11:1-9. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/WrestlingWithTheBasics.God’s people were to be dispersed and be fruitful in His name, but instead they wanted to make a name for themselves. It is easy for all of us to attempt to uphold an ideal situation like one language, same words, and build a huge tower. Yet, what gets lost is the LORD! If we stay in the ideals of life, we can easily forget God and His glory. The Lord’s dispersion of God’s people to curtail pride and evil is a sign of love to assure that He would stay with Him. We celebrate Pentecost knowing what was dispersed has now been united in Christ by the Holy Spirit. “Lord Jesus, as we are united together by Your blood through the Holy Spirit, keep us humble, steadfast in faith, that Your name be known around the world. O Holy Spirit, enter in. Amen”