Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio

The Rev. Dr. Mike Middendorf, Professor of Theology at Concordia University, Irvine, CA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 6:8-7:53. Witness the brave and faithful Stephen, one of the seven chosen to serve the early Church, step into the limelight, armed with grace, power, and wisdom. As he performs miraculous signs and engages in profound debates, his words and actions attract attention—...

The Rev. Robert Moeller, Jr., pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pipestone, MN and Trinity Lutheran Church in Jaspar, MN, and St. John Lutheran Church, Trosky, MN joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 5:12-6:7. In the heart of Jerusalem, the Apostles, by the power of the Holy Spirit, perform miracles that captivate and inspire others, leading to a rapid growth in followers of Jesus. Howe...

The Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Churches in Pine Lawn, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 4:31-5:11 Things take an unexpected turn within the early Christian community. United in heart and mind, they're living a radical life of generosity, sharing everything they have. But not everyone played by the rules. Enter Ananias and Sapphira, a couple who decide...

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 Acts 4:1-31. Peter and John are arrested and are brought before the Sanhedrin. They had violated the religious authorities’ order which forbade anyone from teaching the resurrection of Jesus. Peter and John now must defend themselves while...

The Rev. Thomas Eckstein, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 2:42-3:26. Luke details the dedication of the earliest Christians to worshiping the Lord in unity. On their way to the temple, Peter and John encounter a beggar who cannot walk. He asks them for alms, or anything! Gold and silver they don’t have. But what they gave him he coul...

The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 2:1-41. In this chapter, we journey back to the momentous Day of Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles, granting them the ability to speak in diverse tongues and ushering in a new era for the growing faith. Peter preaches to a bewildered and curious crowd tha...

The Rev. Jacob Hercamp, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Noblesville, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 1. The Evangelist Luke continues the account he began in his Gospel. He recalls for us when Jesus promised a baptism of the Holy Spirit to his disciples. We come along as he then recounts for the second time Jesus’ ascension into heaven before moving on to describe how the Apostl...

The Book of Acts takes us back to the earliest days of Christianity, unveiling the incredible acts of the apostles and the growth of the early church. Acts offers a firsthand account how the Apostles and Jesus’ disciples respond to his death and resurrection. It makes us witnesses to the beginning of fulfilling Jesus’s command to spread the Gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. We encoun...

The Rev. Jacob Heine, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 24. Driven by a restless curiosity and pride, David commands a census to be conducted throughout Israel and Judah. However, this decision incurs the wrath of God, resulting in a devastating plague that strikes the land. As the consequences of his actions unfold, David is humbled and...

The Rev. Stewart Crown, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Palo Alto, CA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 23. As the epic saga of King David's reign nears its close, we delve into his poignant final testament: the last words of a mighty king and the chronicling of his legendary 'Thirty.’ These "Last Words of David" are a poetic testament of the anointed king's faith and integrity,...

The Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 22. In this chapter, we are invited into an intimate moment as King David pours out a heartfelt song of praise and thanksgiving to God. This chapter beautifully encapsulates David's personal journey, marked by triumphant victories, profound losses, and unshakea...

The Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 21. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/WrestlingWithTheBasics. The consequences of past bloodshed come back to haunt the kingdom of Israel. Famine ravages the land for three consecutive years, prompting David to seek divine guidance. The Lord reveals that the famine is...

The Rev. Frank Ruffatto, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Charleston, West Virginia, and Executive Director of Peace Officer Ministries, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 20. The aftermath of Absalom's rebellion leaves a kingdom divided and teetering on the edge of chaos. As David regains control, a new crisis emerges when a cunning rebel named Sheba seizes the opportunity to cha...

The Rev. David Benning, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Nashville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Matthew 18. This episode explores the true meaning of forgiveness, humility, and the immense love Jesus has for every lost sinner, while contemplating on what it means to deal with conflict within our congregations. This study of Matthew 18 will reveal how we should live as members of...

The Rev. Lucas Witt, assistant pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Baltimore, MD, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 19:9-43. In the aftermath of a bitter civil war, the once-mighty kingdom of Israel is wounded by division. King David, haunted by the rebellion of his own son Absalom and mourning his death, now faces the daunting task of restoring order and reclaiming his throne. Alli...

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 2 Samuel 18:1-19:8. As the war between King David and his rebellious son Absalom begins, Absalom finds himself trapped in an encounter that seals his fate – spoiler alert: he doesn’t survive. Meanwhile, David, torn between his kingly duties and a father's love, is waiting i...

The Rev. Doug Griebenaw, pastor and Mission Advocate at KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 17. Absalom faces a crucial decision: whom to trust for his strategy against David? Ahithophel, his cunning advisor, proposes a swift and deadly strike at the king. Hushai, David’s spy and confederate, counters with a more cautious and elaborate plan. Absalom chooses Hushai’s advice,...

The Rev. George Murdaugh, pastor emeritus assisting First Lutheran Church, Birmingham, AL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 16. Betrayal, curses, and a scandal are on the agenda for today. As David flees from his rebellious son Absalom, he faces enemies and encounters allies along the way. Ziba, a servant of Mephibosheth, brings him supplies and lies about his master’s loyalty. Shime...

The Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Churches in Pine Lawn, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 15. Absalom’s return provides him opportunity to get revenge over his father David. Absalom cunningly plots to steal the hearts of the people of Israel, gradually amassing a significant following and undermining his father's authority. As carefully positions him...

The Rev. Dr. Michael Nielson, pastor of Salem Lutheran Church in Barron, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 14. David’s son Absalom has been banished after killing his half-brother Amnon for his assault on their sister Tamar. Despite Absalom’s aspirations for the crown, David is still distraught over his son. Meanwhile, Joab, the commander of the armies, employs a mysterious wise w...

The Rev. Glenn Roseman, pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church in Franklin, NC, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 13. This chapter tells the story of Amnon, David's firstborn, and his vile obsession with his half-sister, Tamar. Aided by his crafty friend Jonadab, Amnon orchestrates a disturbing scheme that leads to Tamar's ruin and disgrace. The aftermath stirs up a storm of anger and...

The Rev. Ryan Fehrmann, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Wausau, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 12. We witness a confrontation between the prophet Nathan and King David, orchestrated by God Himself. This chapter serves as a turning point in David's narrative, as he is forced to reckon with his transgressions—adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah. As Nath...

The Rev. Dan Eddy, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Beloit, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 11. In the springtime, when kings usually go to war, David stayed behind in Jerusalem while his army fought the Ammonites. One night, from the rooftop of his palace, he saw a beautiful woman bathing in her courtyard and he desired her. He found out that she was Bathsheba, the wife of...

The Rev. Steven Theiss, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 10.  When King David sends his envoys to express condolences to the Ammonite king after the passing of his father, they are met with suspicion and humiliation. Fueled by wounded pride, the Ammonites join forces with the Arameans, their allies, and prepare for war against Isra...

The Rev. Matthew Knauss associate pastor of Community Lutheran Church in Escondido, CA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 8-9. David’s remarkable military victories as the king of Israel are recounted. He defeats the Philistines, the Moabites, the Arameans, and the Edomites, and establishes his authority over the surrounding nations. He dedicates the spoils of war to the Lord and appo...