Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio

Jacob sets out for Egypt but pauses at Beersheba, on the very edge of the Promised Land, to sacrifice, worship, and seek assurance from YHWH as he heads out of Canaan into Egypt. There, God speaks to him in visions of the night: "Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation." With divine reassurance of his covenantal promise, Israel takes his entire family (seventy persons in all) down to Egypt. More than a list of names, this genealogy shows the growing seed of God's promise to Abraham taking root. Four hundred years later, these seventy will have become a mighty nation, ready for the Exodus.   The Rev. Tim Winterstein, pastor of University Lutheran Church in Bloomington, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 46:1-27.  To learn more about University Lutheran, visit www.indianalutheran.com. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Unable to control himself any longer, Joseph sends out every Egyptian and reveals himself to his brothers. "I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?" Terror grips them—the brother they sold into slavery now holds their lives in his hands. But instead of vengeance, Joseph offers theological perspective: "Do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life." Three times he emphasizes that God, not they, sent him to Egypt. This stunning declaration of divine sovereignty and human forgiveness becomes one of Scripture's most powerful pictures of reconciliation. Joseph weeps, embraces his brothers, and sends them to bring Jacob to Egypt with Pharaoh's full blessing.  The Rev. Jacob Hercamp, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Noblesville, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 45.  To learn more about Christ Lutheran, visit www.clc-in.org. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Joseph orchestrates one last test. He has his silver cup planted in Benjamin's sack and sends his servant to “discover” it as the brothers depart. They rend their garments when the cup is discovered, and they are hauled back to Egypt. Would they abandon Benjamin as they once abandoned him? That's part of the test. But something has changed. Judah, the same brother who suggested selling Joseph—now offers himself as a slave in Benjamin's place. His impassioned plea reveals a transformed heart, as he speaks of their father's grief and his own guarantee of Benjamin's safety. This substitutionary offer echoes through history, pointing to Judah's descendant who would offer Himself for the sins of the world. Joseph's testing has revealed what he needed to know: his brothers are no longer the men who betrayed him, and the heart of Christ is seen in both Joseph and Judah.  The Rev. Dan Torkelson, pastor of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Madison, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 44.  To learn more about Mount Olive Lutheran, visit www.molc.us. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

The grain is gone, but Jacob refuses to send Benjamin to Egypt despite Judah's guarantee of his safety. Only when starvation looms does Jacob relent, sending his sons with double money and gifts, praying that God Almighty will grant them mercy. When Joseph sees Benjamin, he's overcome with emotion and must leave to weep in private. The brothers are seated according to their birth order (to their amazement) and Benjamin receives five times the portion of his brothers. This lavish feast amid famine speaks to God's abundant grace, even as Joseph continues to test whether his brothers have truly changed since they sold him into slavery.  The Rev. David Boisclair, senior pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 43. To learn more about Our Reedemer, visit www.ourredeemerstl.org. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith.

The famine reaches Canaan, and Jacob sends ten of his sons to Egypt to buy grain. Well, everyone except Benjamin, whom he fears might be harmed as he believed Joseph had been. When the brothers bow before Egypt's governor, they unknowingly fulfill Joseph's dreams from decades earlier. But Joseph, now unrecognizable in Egyptian royal robes and speaking through an interpreter, doesn't reveal himself. Instead, he tests them harshly, accusing them of being spies and imprisoning them for three days. As they discuss their guilt regarding Joseph in Hebrew, not knowing he understands every word, Joseph turns away and weeps. The path to reconciliation will be long and painful, but God is already at work, using even their guilt to bring about repentance and restoration.  The Rev. Ryan Kleimola, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Toledo, OH, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 42.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit www.trinitylutheran.org. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Pharaoh recognizes something extraordinary in Joseph: "Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?" In a stunning reversal, the Hebrew slave becomes second only to Pharaoh himself. Given an Egyptian name, an Egyptian wife, and the very signet ring of Pharaoh, Joseph begins the monumental task of preparing for the coming famine. During the seven years of plenty, he gathers grain "like the sand of the sea." When famine strikes, Egypt alone has bread, and all the world comes to Joseph. Looking back, it is evident that God's providence transforms a family's betrayal into the salvation of nations, pointing us forward to the greater Joseph who would save the world from a far deadlier famine of sin and death.  The Rev. David Vandercook, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in North Little Rock, AR, and Shepherd of Peace Lutheran Church in Maumelle, AR, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 41:37-57.  To learn more about Trinity, visit trinitynlr.com. To learn more about Shepherd of Peace, visit shepeace.com. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Two full years have passed. Joseph remains in prison, forgotten by the cupbearer whose dream he interpreted. But God's timing is perfect. Then, the most powerful ruler on the planet is disturbed twice by strange dreams. When Pharaoh's dreams baffle all of Egypt's wise men, the cupbearer finally remembers Joseph! Joseph is hastily brought from the dungeon, but he deflects any personal glory: "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer." In these dreams, God reveals seven years of plenty followed by seven years of devastating famine, and through Joseph, He provides the wisdom to save not just Egypt, but the surrounding nations, including his own family.     The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 41:1-36.  To learn more about Trinity, visit trinitylutheranministries.org. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Likely feeling alone and forgotten in an Egyptian prison, two dreams will change Joseph's life forever. However, they're not his dreams, but those of two imprisoned officials of Pharoah. We witness how God works even through bitter disappointment and suffering to accomplish His kingdom purposes. Joseph's trials remind us that waiting on the Lord's timing isn't wasted time, it's an act of faith. This episode explores how dreams, dungeons, and divine delays all point us forward to Christ the true interpreter of God's will and the faithful “rememberer” of His people.   The Rev. Max Phillips, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Bouton and Zion Lutheran Church in Ogden, Iowa, Executive Director of Lutheran Family Service, and CEO of Perry Lutheran Homes, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 40.  To learn more about Christ Lutheran Bouton, visit www.facebook.com/CLCBouton. To learn more about Zion Lutheran, visit www.facebook.com/ZionLutheranOgdenIa. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Joseph's life in Egypt begins in forced servitude, yet even in a foreign land and in the house of Potiphar, an Egyptian official, something extraordinary happens: “The Lord was with Joseph.” His integrity, skill, and God-given favor cause him to rise, and things are going well until temptation strikes. Potiphar's wife tries to seduce him, and when Joseph refuses her advances out of fear of sinning against God, she falsely accuses him. Thrown into prison for doing the right thing, Joseph could have given in to despair. But once again, Scripture reminds us: “The Lord was with him.” The Rev. Robert Smith, pastor emeritus in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 39. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith.

Just when the spotlight turns to Joseph's trials in Egypt, Genesis 38 takes a shocking detour into scandal, sin, and surprising grace. Judah, the ancestor of Christ, falls into deception, sexual sin, and hypocrisy. Tamar, also caught up in deception, leads us to question if perceived injustice is an excuse for her sinful behavior. This chapter teaches us about God's mercy, human failure, and the messy lineage of our Savior. The Rev. Gregory Alms, St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in Catonsville, MD, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 38. To learn more about St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, visit stpaulcatonsville.org. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith.

“...that one day you will bow to me!” Joseph told his brothers. They were not amused. Genesis 37 is a tale of jealousy and envy, dreams and deception, and ultimately betrayal. Joseph, the favored son, shares dreams of greatness. These dreams were revelations from God, but coming from a haughty teenager, they seemed to be nothing more than arrogance to his siblings. Thus, what begins with a coat of many colors and a father's favoritism ends with a brother sold into slavery. The Rev. Dr. Curtis Deterding, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 37. To learn more about Zion Lutheran Church, visit zionfm.org. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith.

At first glance, Genesis 36 might seem like just a long and intimidating list of unfamiliar names: Esau's wives, sons, tribal chiefs, and kings. But hidden within these seemingly "dry" genealogies is a vibrant testimony of God's surprising grace and sovereign care for all people. The Holy Spirit illustrates for us how even Esau's descendants—those outside the chosen line—are part of God's bigger picture. This reveals how the Lord's faithfulness spans generations and extends to every corner of our lives. The Rev. Terry Yahr, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Menahga and Christ Lutheran Church in Wolf Lake, MN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 36. To learn more about Redeemer Lutheran Church in Menahga and Christ Lutheran Church in Wolf Lake, MN, visit redeemermenahga.wixsite.com/redeemerlutheran. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal.

After the tragic events surrounding the assault of Dinah and the violent retaliation that followed, Jacob's life is once again turned upside down. In mercy and patience, God repeats His command for Jacob to go to Bethel, not just to visit, but to dwell there and build an altar. In obedience and perhaps an increase in faith and trust, Jacob purges his household of foreign gods and idols and takes responsibility for his family's spiritual welfare. At Bethel, God appears again, just as He had before, and reaffirms His covenant promises. God renames Jacob “Israel” again, a reminder not of God's forgetfulness, but of His persistent grace. Once more, we see that God's love and mercy far outweigh our sins. The Rev. Dr. John Rickert, retired pastor in South Carolina, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 35. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith.

When Jacob's daughter Dinah ventures into the city, what begins as a simple visit becomes a catalyst for one of the Bible's most shocking tales of deception and revenge. Her brothers' response will leave an entire city paying the ultimate price—but was their brutal justice righteous protection or inexcusable violence? Ancient questions about justice, family loyalty, and moral boundaries collide in ways that still challenge us today. Note: this episode includes discussion of sexual assault and, therefore, may not be suitable for everyone.  The Rev. Jeremy Klaustermeier, St. John Lutheran Church in Warrenton, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 34.  To learn more about St. John Lutheran, visit www.stjohnswarrenton.com. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Twenty years ago, Jacob fled for his life from a brother who vowed to kill him. Now, as 400 armed men approach with Esau at their head, Jacob prepares for the worst - arranging his family for maximum survival, bowing seven times in desperate humility. But what happens next will take your breath away, as human forgiveness becomes a stunning picture of divine grace.  The Rev. Roger Mullet, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Buffalo, WY, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 33.  To learn more about Prince of Peace, visit princeofpeacebuffalo.org. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Twenty years ago, Jacob fled for his life from a brother who vowed to kill him. Now, as 400 armed men approach with Esau at their head, Jacob prepares for the worst - arranging his family for maximum survival, bowing seven times in desperate humility. But what happens next will take your breath away, as human forgiveness becomes a stunning picture of divine grace.  The Rev. Roger Mullet, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Buffalo, WY, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 33.  To learn more about Prince of Peace, visit princeofpeacebuffalo.org. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Jacob is no longer running from Laban, but he's not yet safe. The road ahead leads straight to Esau, the brother he betrayed, the man he hasn't seen in twenty years. As he prepares for the encounter, Jacob divides his camp, sends gifts ahead, and prays like a man caught between two dangers. But this night will hold more than fear. Before the sun rises, Jacob will be alone—and he will wrestle with God.  The Rev. Sean Daenzer, Director of Worship for the LCMS and Chaplain of the International Center, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 32.  Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Jacob escapes with his family, crossing into Gilead while Laban gives chase. When he catches up, accusations fly, but Laban fails to prove that anyone in Jacob's camp stole his household gods. With no evidence and mounting tension, the two men draw a line in the sand—literally—by forging a covenant of peace. This treaty, sealed with a meal and an oath, marks a turning point as Jacob steps further into the promises of God.  Rev. Craig Wehmeyer, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Washington, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 31:21-55.  To learn more about Immanuel Lutheran, visit IMLutheran.org. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

After twenty years of toil, manipulation, and double-dealing, Jacob has had enough and is ready to go home. God himself appears to him and gives him assurance that the time has come. But leaving Laban isn't as simple as packing a few bags. There are flocks to tend to, his wives and children to protect, and his desire to escape without any further trouble from Laban. The Rev. Dr. Brian Saunders, president of the Iowa District East--LCMS, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 31:1-21.  Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

This chapter unfolds like a domestic battlefield. The Holy Spirit makes us witnesses of envy, rivalry, superstition, and even more deceptive schemes within the Patriarch Jacob's household. Rachel and Leah are locked in competition for children; they even barter mandrakes and offer up their maidservants in an effort to prevail as the most honored wife and mother. And Jacob? He's caught in the middle, but he's not without sin. He willingly participates in this baby battle and succeeds in multiplying sons, but not peace. However, behind it all YHWH is still at work fulfilling his promises.   The Rev. Dr. Walter Maier, III, professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 30.  Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

A journey of a thousand miles, they say, begins with a single step, but what about the journey to find a wife, to build a future, to fulfill a promise spoken by God Himself? Jacob has fled the wrath of his brother, carried only by the weight of a blessing and the memory of a divine dream. Now, dusty and alone, he approaches a large well, not knowing that love, labor, and a long lesson in humility await him.  The Rev. Matt Tooman, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wahpeton, ND joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 28.  To learn more about Immanuel Lutheran, visit www.immanuelwahp.com. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Jacob is on the run. From Esau's fury, but also from the consequences of deceit and dysfunction. He is charged by Isaac to find a wife and preserve the covenant line. Although Jacob leaves behind the land of promise, he is accompanied by the God of promise. He stops for the night with nothing but a stone for a pillow. In the middle of nowhere, heaven opens. A ladder appears with angels ascending and descending. And the LORD Himself appears—not with wrath, but with a reaffirmation of the promises made to Abraham and Isaac.  The Rev. Jacob Hercamp, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Noblesville, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 28.  To learn more about Christ Lutheran Church, visit www.clc-in.org. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Moments after Jacob secures the blessing, Esau returns to discover the irreversible loss. Isaac trembles, Esau weeps, and the bitter consequences of deception shake the household. Rebekah fears for Jacob's life and sends him away to protect him from Esau's vengeance. Despite the heartache and broken trust, God remains at work, guiding His covenant plan through the fallout.  The Rev. Ryan Fehrmann, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in Bonduel, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 27:30–46.  To learn more about St. Paul, visit www.stpaulbonduel.com. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Isaac, old and blind, prepares to bless Esau, but Rebekah intervenes with a plan to secure the blessing for Jacob. Through disguise and bold deception, Jacob receives the blessing meant for his brother. Though the means are questionable, God's sovereign purpose stands. This chapter reveals the messiness of family and the mystery of grace that works through human weakness.  The Rev. Steven Theiss, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 27:1–29.  Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Isaac walks the same ground as Abraham, facing famine, fear, and foreign rulers. God confirms the promise given to Abraham, yet Isaac repeats old sins by misleading others about his wife. Still, the Lord blesses him abundantly. Tensions rise with Abimelech, but a treaty and an altar bring resolution. This chapter reminds us that God's faithfulness is greater than our failures, and that peace and worship often go hand in hand.  The Rev. Bruce von Hindenburg, pastor of Catalina Lutheran Church in Tucson, AZ, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 26.  To learn more about Catalina Lutheran, visit www.catalinalutheran.org. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

As Abraham's story concludes, the spotlight turns to Isaac and his twin sons. From the womb, Jacob and Esau struggle, a foreshadowing of the tension between their descendants. Esau, driven by hunger, trades his birthright for a simple bowl of stew. This startling moment exposes the danger of despising what is holy, and reminds us that God often chooses the unexpected to fulfill His promises. The Rev. Thomas Eckstein, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 25. To learn more about Concordia Lutheran, visit www.concordiajt.org. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

The servant tells his story, giving glory to God for guiding him straight to Rebekah. Her family consents, and she boldly agrees to leave everything behind for the sake of Isaac and the promise. In a quiet and touching scene, she meets her husband and becomes his comfort after the loss of his mother. In this union, God's covenant continues forward through faith and love.  The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 24:34–67.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitylutheranministries.org. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Abraham, nearing the end of his life, entrusts his servant with a sacred mission: find a wife for Isaac from his homeland. The servant prays for guidance, and before he finishes speaking, Rebekah appears. Her kindness and hospitality reveal God's answer. This moment at the well is not coincidence, but divine provision, reminding us that God is always ahead of us, arranging our steps.  The Rev. Jesse Baker, pastor of Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Houlton, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 24:1–33.  To learn more about Family of Christ Lutheran, visit familyofchristhoulton.org. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Sarah, the beloved wife of Abraham and matriarch of the covenant, dies at 127 years old. In Genesis 23, Abraham mourns and honors her life—not by returning to Mesopotamia, but by purchasing a burial site in the land of Canaan. His negotiation with the Hittites and acquisition of the cave of Machpelah marks more than a family burial—it's a faithful declaration that this land, promised by God, is truly home. This chapter may seem like a quiet interlude, but it resounds with themes of faith, permanence, and the future hope of resurrection.  The Rev. David Boisclair, senior pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 23.  To learn more about Our Redeemer Lutheran, visit www.ourredeemerstl.org. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

The long-awaited birth of Isaac, the promised son, has brought joyful laughter into the hearts of Sarah and Abraham, as God keeps his promises and reaffirms the covenant. Just when everything seemed to be falling into place, Abraham hears a gut-wrenching command from God: “Sacrifice your son!” The son he waited a century for. The child of promise. The heir of the covenant. And now, God says, sacrifice him? Would you have the faith to obey?  The Rev. Chris Matthis, pastor of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Castle Rock, CO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 22.  To learn more about Epiphany Lutheran, visit www.epiphanylc.org.  Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

The impossible becomes reality: the child of promise is born. Isaac—laughter—is cradled in the arms of an elderly mother, and Abraham, at one hundred years old, rejoices at the faithfulness of God. But joy is not without conflict. Old wounds resurface, tensions rise between Sarah and Hagar, and once again Abraham must make a painful decision. Through it all, God proves Himself the protector of both promise and outcast.   The Rev. Dr. Adam Filipek, pastor of Holy Cross and Immanuel Lutheran Churches in Lidgerwood, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 21.  To learn more about Holy Cross and Immanuel Lutheran Churches, visit www.hcilc.com. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

In the wake of fire and brimstone, we now come upon a strangely familiar scene. Abraham, once again, tells a king that Sarah is his sister. Haven't we been here before? But Genesis 20 is not a rerun, but another reminder of human fickleness. Yet, God's grace is at work even in Abraham's failure, and His sovereign protection extends not only to the patriarchs but even to pagan kings.   The Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 20.  Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

What happens when a city no longer blushes at its own sin—when darkness becomes not just tolerated but celebrated? In Genesis 19, angels arrive in Sodom, and what follows is one of the most sobering accounts in all of Scripture. But it's not just a story of fire and brimstone—it's also about God, in His mercy, snatching the hesitant from judgment, and a God who saves even when His people falter. Yet, we're also given dire warnings about disobeying God's will.  The Rev. Kevin Yoakum, pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Riverview, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 19.  Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Where do we see traces of Puritanism in today's American religious landscape? Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series, “Pilgrims, Puritans, and the Founding of New England.” In episode 9, we come to the end of this series to learn about the relationship of the Quakers to the Puritans, the founding of Harvard and Yale Universities, and where we see traces of Puritanism in today's American religious landscape. Resources in this episode: All episodes in The Puritan Movement series Find more from Dr. MacKenzie here Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes: Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr,  Reformation in England  by Peter Marshall,  Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts  by  John Carden, and  Pilgrim's Progress  by John Bunyan. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

What if an ordinary day, a simple act of kindness, brought you face-to-face with the Divine? Genesis 18 thrusts Abraham into such a moment. Mysterious visitors arrive, YHWH's promise of a son defies human biology, and Sarah laughs at what she believes must be impossible. But then, the conversation shifts. The strangers are from God—even the preincarnate Son of God Himself accompanied by two angels—and God reveals impending judgment against Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham, in astonishing boldness, begins to intercede. How close can humanity draw to God? Can we truly plead for mercy against divine justice? Is anything too hard for the Lord, and how does He respond when we dare to ask?  The Rev. Robert Smith, pastor emeritus in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 18.   Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

He was ninety-nine years old. His wife, nearly ninety. God's promise of descendants, a great nation, a covenant forever, must have still seemed impossible to Abram and Sarai. Then, the Lord appeared. Not with vague reassurance, but with clarity, power, and a new name. Abram became Abraham. Sarai became Sarah. And the sign of circumcision marked a covenant that would shape generations.  The Rev. Ryan Kleimola, pastor Trinity Lutheran Church in Toledo, OH, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 17.  Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Abram's household is unraveling under the weight of God's promise, yet to be fulfilled even ten years later. Sarai, still barren, offers her servant Hagar, and what follows is not a neat solution, but a tangled story of pride, power, and pain. And yet, during it all, something extraordinary happens. A fugitive slave girl becomes the first person in Scipture to name God. "You are a God who sees me," she says. Genesis 16 is a chapter of human failure—but also of divine faithfulness, mercy, and vision. Rev. Roger Mullet, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Buffalo, WY, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 16. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Abram stared upward, into the endless expanse of the night sky. He was still childless and feeling the weight of doubt pressing harder than ever. Had God forgotten him? Had the promise slipped away? And then, in the darkness, the voice returned—not with rebuke, but reassurance: “Fear not, Abram. I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” Abram believed, and God counted it to him as righteousness.   The Rev. Nate Hill, pastor of St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Winchester, TX, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 15.  Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Abram stared upward, into the endless expanse of the night sky. He was still childless and feeling the weight of doubt pressing harder than ever. Had God forgotten him? Had the promise slipped away? And then, in the darkness, the voice returned—not with rebuke, but reassurance: “Fear not, Abram. I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” Abram believed, and God counted it to him as righteousness.   The Rev. Nate Hill, pastor of St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Winchester, TX, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 15.  Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

It started with petty rulers battling for control of trade routes and cities. Four kings from the east swept into the land, crushing everyone in their path. Five local kings rose to resist and lost. Abram's nephew Lot was caught up and carried away like plunder. Abram, armed with his 318 servants and a steadfast faith in God, sought to redeem his nephew, thus serving as a type of Christ. What followed was a story of battle, victory against impossible odds, and a meeting with the mysterious priest-king, Melchizedek, who brings bread, wine, and blessing and makes for the second Christ-type in the chapter.  The Rev. Sean Smith, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Clarksville, TN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 15.  Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

From fringe ideas like the "eighth day of creation" to claims about so-called “cursed races” descending from Cain, bad theology has long been used to justify racism. These distortions often borrow biblical language but twist the message beyond recognition. In this Free-Text Friday, we take a theological sledgehammer to these harmful doctrines. Drawing from Genesis and beyond, we'll explore what Scripture actually says about so-called “race”, ethnicity, and the children of Adam and Eve. Does every human being bear the image of God? (Spoiler Alert: Yes!)  The Rev. Dr. Keith Haney, Assistant to the President for Missions, Human Care, and Stewardship in the Iowa West District--LCMS, author and speaker (becomingbridgebuilders.org), joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to discuss bad theology and racism.   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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Abram doesn't charge forward, he turns back. After his detour in Egypt, he retraces his steps to the altar at Bethel, leading with repentance and renewed trust in God. There, he calls on the name of the YHWH. As conflict arises with Lot, Abram responds with humility, trusting not in land or wealth, but in God's promises. In response, God invites Abram to walk the land—to explore the inheritance already his by God's promise. Today, we walk in that same spirit, stepping forward by faith, trusting that what God has promised in Christ is already ours.  The Rev. David Bass, pastor of St. Michael Lutheran Church and School in Ft. Meyer's FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 13.  Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. 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. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.