Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio

The Apostle Paul delves deeply into the richness of Christ's work and the fullness of the believer’s life in Him. This chapter stands as a powerful reminder to Christians of the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ over all human traditions and philosophies. Paul warns against being led astray by deceptive teachings and emphasizes the importance of being rooted and built up in God who dwells bodily...

St. Paul begins this letter by expressing his thanks for the faith and love evident in the Colossian church, praying for their continued spiritual growth. He powerfully asserts Christ's supremacy and central role in creation and reconciliation, presenting Jesus as the bridge between God and humanity. He also points to his own personal ministry struggles, underscoring his commitment to spreading th...

In this concluding chapter, St. Paul urges the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord always, emphasizing joy, gentleness, and the avoidance of anxiety through prayer and thanksgiving. Paul also speaks of contentment in every situation, highlighting his ability to be content in any circumstance through Christ who gives him strength. This chapter famously includes the assurance that God will meet all t...

The Apostle Paul doesn’t mince words when he warns the Philippians against those who demand and require circumcision for Gentile believers. True circumcision, Paul reminds us, is inward, of the heart, and by the Holy Spirit. Any perceived righteousness by keeping the law Paul counts as loss and rubbish compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ. He urges the Philippians to stand firm and r...

The Apostle Paul offers a profound exploration of humility and unity within the Christian community, guided by the example of Jesus. Paul urges the believers in Philippi to adopt a selfless attitude, prioritizing others' interests above their own. This chapter is renowned for its portrayal of Christ's humility and obedience, serving as a model for believers to emulate. Paul also discusses his plan...

Philippians is an epistle written by the Apostle Paul from prison, expressing his deep affection and spiritual guidance for the believers in Philippi. In this first chapter, Paul discusses themes of joy, fellowship, and the advancement of the gospel despite his imprisonment. He emphasizes his confidence in Christ and his desire for the spiritual growth of the Philippians. Paul also reflects on lif...

In this final chapter, Paul sums up his instructions to the Ephesians on spiritual warfare and household conduct. He charges children to honor their parents and fathers to guide their children in the Lord. Controversially, he also urges Christian slaves to obey earthly masters as they obey Christ. However, Paul urges all readers to stand firm against the schemes of the devil by putting on God's fu...

Paul urges the Ephesians to imitate God by living as children of light, having no part in sexual immorality, impurity, greed or obscenity. He instructs wives to submit to their husbands as the church submits to Christ, and husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church. Paul tells them to be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns and songs, giving thanks to God...

Paul commands the Ephesians to live in unity as members of one body in Christ. He reminds them that God has gifted each believer for building up the church. Therefore, they should put off their old selves and put on their new selves in Christ, speaking truth and living righteously. Paul instructs them not to grieve the Holy Spirit but to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving towards one another, j...

The Apostle explains the mystery of the gospel that through Christ Jesus Gentiles are fellow heirs with Jews, members of the same body, and partakers of the same promise. As a minister of this gospel by God's grace and mighty power, Paul reveals that through the church God makes his manifold wisdom known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to His eternal purpose carried...

Paul masterfully lays out profound truths about God's redemptive work. We learn that though we were once dead in our trespasses and sins, God in His great mercy has made us alive together with Christ. We who were once far off, excluded from God's covenant people, have now been brought near through the blood of Christ. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus, not by works, leaving no room for...

The Rev. Neil Wehmas, associate pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ida Grove, IA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Ephesians 1. Come along as we dive into the Apostle Paul’s opening introduction of his letter to the Christians in Ephesus. Paul unpacks the concept of what it means to be God’s chosen ones and brings up the often misunderstood concept of predestination. We'll explore how our...

Paul's letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians contain a wealth of theology and practical guidance for living out the Christian faith. Ephesians unpacks God's overarching plan of salvation and our identity in Christ, calling us to unity and holiness in the Church. Philippians overflows with joy, encouraging us to imitate Christ's humility and develop spiritual maturity. Colossians st...

The Rev. Paul Hemenway, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Springfield, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn “Joy to the Word.” What if I told you that one of your favorite Christmas hymns isn’t really a Christmas hymn at all? This last hymn in our Countdown to Christmas series speaks more of Christ’s return than his birth, but that doesn’t keep us singing this song to celebrate Je...

The Rev. Dr. Jason Wagner, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in High Ridge, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn “We Praise You Jesus at your Birth.” Written by Martin Luther in the early 16th century, “We Praise You Jesus at Your Birth,” is studied in this episode. Discover the story behind this timeless hymn, its translations, and its journey through history. Experience the joy and wo...

The Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne, MN and host of the program goes solo for this study the hymn “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” Turning now to LSB 379 we come upon a hymn originally titled "Adeste Fideles" in Latin. Its history is shrouded in mystery with a touch of political intrigue. It is believed to have been written by John Francis Wade, an English Catholic hymn...

The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn “O Jesus Christ, Thy Manger Is.” With its deep theologically rich lyrics, “O Jesus Christ, Thy Manger Is” is a beautiful example of Lutheran hymnody. Written by Paul Gerhardt in the 1600s, the struggles of his life and his deep abiding faith in Christ come out clearly in this...

The Rev. William Orr, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in St. Ann, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn “It Came upon the Midnight Clear.” A Unitarian hymn in a Lutheran hymnal? Yes, sort of. This hymn was penned by a Unitarian Pastor, but neither the pastor himself nor the lyrics he wrote were very Unitarian. Turn with us to LSB 366, “It Came upon the Midnight Clear” and explore the h...

The Rev. David Boisclair, senior Pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn, “Away in a Manger.” Flip the page in your Lutheran Service Book to hymn 365: “Away in a Manger.” The history behind this hymn is muddled. Some believed it was written by Martin Luther, but most historians attribute its origin to German Lutherans in Pennsylvania a...

The Rev. George Ruwisch, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Nashua, NH, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn “Silent Night, Holy Night.” Open your hymnals to page 363 and grab a candle, it’s time to study “Silent Night, Holy Night.” Whether sung in English, German, or both, this hymn has been a perennial favorite among Christians. Jesus’ birth in a stable surrounded by animals likely was...

The Rev. Dr. Curtis Deterding, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn, “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” It’s time to head into Bethlehem with hymn LSB 361: “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Written by an Episcopal Priest inspired by his own visit to Bethlehem in 1865, this contemplative and peaceful carol has become one of the most popular Christm...

The Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/WrestlingWithTheBasics. Turning now to LSB 357, we come to the ancient and beautiful Advent hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” With lyrics tracing back in one form or another for over 1200 years, this hymn i...

Celebrate the birth of our Savior with Thy Strong Word’s Countdown to Christmas, a special series where we explore 10 of the most beloved Christmas hymns found in the Lutheran Service Book. Learn the history and meaning of these beautiful carols and how they reflect the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each weekday we dive into every stanza of these classic hymns and discover the rich theology and...

The Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn “The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came.” Turn to page 356 in your hymnals because we are kicking off our countdown to Christmas with “The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came.” Let God prepare your hearts this Advent as we explore the history behind the hymn and then, stanza-by-stanza, exam...

The Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Micah 7. In this final chapter, the prophet laments the corrupt state of society, and highlights the prevalence of deceit, oppression, and untrustworthiness among people. Amid this darkness, Micah expresses unwavering trust in God's faithfulness and mercy, encouraging h...