Podcasts about holy scripture

David cries out for the LORD to answer him, as the LORD has done in the past. David asserts that God has set apart His people for Himself so that those who love vain words will ultimately fall. Anger and vengeance are not a refuge; the LORD is the stronghold of His people. When He turns the light of His face upon us, we have true joy beyond anything this world can offer. This gives us the ability to sleep in peace, knowing that God is our safety.   Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Atchison, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 4.  To learn more about Trinity, visit trinityatchison.org. Join Sharper Iron this summer to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

The Apostle pleads with the Corinthians, and with us, not to receive the grace of God in vain. That is, not to treat it casually, not to compartmentalize it, and not to keep Jesus at arm's length when He's called us to new life. As an Apostle, Paul shares the cost of faithful ministry—beatings, imprisonments, sleepless nights—and yet he opens his heart wider, not smaller. He reminds us that the Christian life is lived now, in the tension between earthly hardship and heavenly promise. It's not enough to avoid evil; we're called to be visibly, purposefully set apart.  The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Corinthians 6.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitylutheranministries.org. What does it mean to follow Christ in weakness? What does true ministry look like in the face of criticism, suffering, and spiritual warfare? And how can the Church hold fast to the Gospel when pressured by the world—and even by false teachers within? On Thy Strong Word, we walk verse by verse through, arguably, the apostle Paul's most personal, emotional, and paradoxical letter: 2 Corinthians. From forgiveness and reconciliation to generous giving and boasting only in the Lord, 2 Corinthians calls every believer to follow Christ boldly. This is the way of the cross, where God's grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in you. 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.

      Growing up, Uche could always be found with her nose in a book (quite literally) and started writing riveting stories from an early age in Enugu, Nigeria, mostly for the consumption of delighted family members and friends. Her love for reading, writing and all things literature persisted into adulthood as she went on to obtain a law degree, a master's and a doctorate in international business law and to practice law in London, UK. Her entire world was turned RIGHT SIDE UP when she had a life-changing encounter with Jesus a few years ago. She is now a follower of Jesus and lives to glorify God in everything she does. She considers it the utmost privilege to use the gift of writing given to her by her Creator, to write stories centered on: Knowing the truth of who we were created to be,Being resilient in adverse circumstances and Learning to search the Holy Scriptures for ourselves…Becoming Royal Mystery Searchers! Uche Pietzsch lives in Vienna, Austria, with her husband and daughter. We look from her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won't want to miss this inspiring episode!Finders of the Armor is the first book in the Royal Mystery Searchers Club Book Series.PietzscGoodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/52050628.Uche_PietzschWebsite: https://royalmsclub.com/ Watch the Finders of the Armor Book Trailer here: https://youtu.be/MPDHEDTtHAU?feature=sharedget book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DK3NRVVM *Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

Join Sharper Iron this summer to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

David cries out to the LORD for deliverance from his foes as he flees from Absalom. These foes argue theologically against David—how can God be David's Savior if David is having to run away? David takes refuge in the LORD, who is present on His holy hill. The LORD's presence gives protection to David and all the LORD's people. Because salvation is the LORD's, His people are assured of His blessing.  Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 3.  To learn more about St. Paul's, visit stpaulscullman.com. Join Sharper Iron this summer to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

What kind of courage does it take to face death with confidence? In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul pulls back the curtain on eternity. This earthly tent will one day be torn down, but a better dwelling awaits. While we groan now, we walk by faith, not by sight. And in the meantime, we're not aimless—we're ambassadors, driven by Christ's love, called to the ministry of reconciliation. Paul shows us what it means to live for Christ because He is the One who died for all and rose again.  The Rev. Mark Loder, pastor of St. James Lutheran Church and School in Howard Lake, MN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Corinthians 5.  To learn more about St. James, visit www.stjameshl.org. What does it mean to follow Christ in weakness? What does true ministry look like in the face of criticism, suffering, and spiritual warfare? And how can the Church hold fast to the Gospel when pressured by the world—and even by false teachers within? On Thy Strong Word, we walk verse by verse through, arguably, the apostle Paul's most personal, emotional, and paradoxical letter: 2 Corinthians. From forgiveness and reconciliation to generous giving and boasting only in the Lord, 2 Corinthians calls every believer to follow Christ boldly. This is the way of the cross, where God's grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in you. 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.

We check out chapter 24 from the New Testament section of A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture.Please support the Our Lady of Fatima Podcast: Buymeacoffee.com/TerenceMStantonLike and subscribe on YouTube:@OurLadyOfFatimaPodcastFollow us on X:@FatimaPodcastThank you!

Fr Seraphim's observations on the six days of Creation through his patristic mind and study of the Holy Fathers, who he says are the "sure guides" to understanding the spiritual life and the Holy Scriptures. Direct quotes taken from the book Genesis, Creation and Early Man which has been just re-released by Saint Herman Brotherhood. All are encouraged to order and read the full text in its context. Support the showVisit Our Site // Grab Some Merch // Become A Patreon Member

“Be Merciful” | Christ For YouTrinity 4 | Luke 6If you were edified by this recording, please share it with others, leave a review and a comment on ApplePodcasts, Spotify, or any podcasting platform to help others find the faithful preaching of Holy Scripture. ___________________Subscribe & Share: • Apple Podcasts: Christ For You • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0q7o8mzLFcEBBVnrYBKYWx?si=UjpbczgJTtWPMG-_MgTSnQ • Website: https://www.zionwg.org/podcastStay Connected: • Email: PastorRojas@ZionWG.org • Website: ZionWG.org

If you were edified by this recording, please share it with others, leave a review and a comment on ApplePodcasts, Spotify, or any podcasting platform to help others find the faithful preaching of Holy Scripture. ___________________Subscribe & Share: • Apple Podcasts: Christ For You • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0q7o8mzLFcEBBVnrYBKYWx?si=UjpbczgJTtWPMG-_MgTSnQ • Website: https://www.zionwg.org/podcastStay Connected: • Email: PastorRojas@ZionWG.org • Website: ZionWG.org

Today's McKee Moment discusses how reading current events into the Holy Scriptures has caused significant disrepute to the legitimate, prophetic message of Scripture.

The imposition of Christian beliefs and values upon a society — building Christian nations — is a requirement for all Christians, Priests, and Pastors. The fundamental set of Christian values and beliefs remains the Ten Commandments (Matthew 5:18-19), the first of which points exclusively to Jesus Christ. In this current Luciferian Theocracy, demonic beliefs and values are actively promoted, and dissent from their religion is crushed. Who has ever heard of government school failing to promote kindness and condemning bullying? These values are cornerstones of their religion. Luciferian “kindness” means to endorsing evil such as sodomy and tranny-ism. Luciferian crusades against Bullying really means to bully and condemn students brave enough to exalt Jesus Christ and condemn sodomy. Even the use of the term “sodomy” is justification for the official and sanctioned bullying. “Tolerance” in their religion means tolerating sodomy, and other evils, while being intolerant of values reflected in the Holy Scriptures such as honoring the Sunday Sabbath. “Christian values” are the values of the Holy Scriptures, from Genesis through he Revelation. Christian values including the condemnation of Jews and Judaism, the revilement of other 'religions,' and the rejection of sodomy. Even “Christian” Pastors reject Christian values — they are not really Christian, but rather they are Judeo-Christian like Judas Iscariot. (Siding with the Jews is the Biblical definition of treason agains Jesus Christ.) A Christian reformation must be founded on the reclamation of all of society for Jesus Christ. It begins in the pulpits. Preachers must declare that Christian duty requires the disciplining of entire nations to obedience to Jesus Christ and His Word — the building of Christian nations, including the knowledge of what a biblical nations really is, which is in part the descendants from a common ancestry. Neutrality is Satanism — it is the Luciferian theocracy we live under today. “Tolerance” is Satanism when it is tolerance of evil in society. Pastors must declare themselves in open rebellion against Satan and his values. They do this by refusing to abide by Satan's morality and insist upon build Christian nations — by openly rejecting Satan's demand to submit to his morality. Rebellion begins in the pulpits. Yes, they will call you racist, intolerant, antisemitic, Hitler, Nazi, fascist, a hater and so on. They are the intolerant ones. They are by bullies. They are the defenders of Satan's order. “It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.” Matthew 10:25 ESV Fritz Berggren, PhD www.bloodandfaith.com  

We explore New Testament chapter 23 from A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture.Please support the Our Lady of Fatima Podcast:Buymeacoffee.com/TerenceMStantonLike and subscribe on YouTube:@OurLadyOfFatimaPodcastFollow us on X:@FatimaPodcastThank you!

Who can truly see? Matthew 20:29–34 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the one who can see his own great need, and Jesus's great compassion and ability for that need, is the one who sees truly. The sermon centers on the encounter between Jesus and two blind men outside Jericho, contrasting their heartfelt cries for mercy with the misguided noise of a surrounding multitude focused on outward displays of greatness. Drawing from Psalm 72 and Matthew 20, the message emphasizes that true recognition of Jesus lies not in worldly acclaim but in acknowledging his compassionate nature and willingness to personally engage with the needy, as demonstrated by his touch and subsequent healing. Ultimately, the sermon calls listeners to emulate the blind men's faith, recognizing their own neediness and using any newfound ability or strength to follow Christ with humility and confidence, trusting in his divine compassion and ability to remedy their spiritual and physical limitations.

Zedekiah is the last king of Judah. During his wicked reign, the LORD fulfills His Word of sending Judah into exile. Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon finally loses patience with rebellious Judah and besieges Jerusalem. In 587 BC, his army destroys Jerusalem and the LORD's temple. Zedekiah watches his sons die before he is blinded and carried off to exile and death. This is no historical accident; It is the LORD's wrath against His people's idolatry. Although Nebuchadnezzar sets up a governor over the land of Judah, the people still rebell against him and flee, ironically, to Egypt. Yet the LORD is not through with His promise, although the kingdom of Judah and the line of David seem entirely lost. Eventually, Jehoiachin, a Davidic heir, is released from prison in Babylon. Despite His people's sin, the LORD sustains the line of the promised Christ.   Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 24:18-25:30.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitycolby.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

What kind of vessel carries the Gospel? Not gold, not crystal, not anything the world would admire. Paul says it's clay: fragile and weak. That's what ministry looks like. That's what the Christian life looks like. In this chapter, we hear that God has placed His priceless treasure—the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ—into weak human vessels, so that the surpassing power may be seen as coming from Him, not us.  The Rev. Robert Smith, pastor emeritus in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Corinthians 4.  What does it mean to follow Christ in weakness? What does true ministry look like in the face of criticism, suffering, and spiritual warfare? And how can the Church hold fast to the Gospel when pressured by the world—and even by false teachers within? On Thy Strong Word, we walk verse by verse through, arguably, the apostle Paul's most personal, emotional, and paradoxical letter: 2 Corinthians. From forgiveness and reconciliation to generous giving and boasting only in the Lord, 2 Corinthians calls every believer to follow Christ boldly. This is the way of the cross, where God's grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in you. 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.

There are many today who talk about the love of God, who are total strangers to the God of love. The divine love is commonly regarded as a species of amiable weakness, a sort of good-natured indulgence; it is reduced to a mere sickly sentiment, patterned after human emotion. Now the truth is that on this, as on everything else, our thoughts need to be formed and regulated by what is revealed thereon in Holy Scripture. That there is urgent need for this is apparent not only from the ignorance which so generally prevails, but also the low state of spirituality which is now so sadly evident everywhere among professing Christians.

We look into chapter 22 from the New Testament section of A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture.Please support the Our Lady of Fatima Podcast:Buymeacoffee.com/TerenceMStantonLike and subscribe on YouTube:@OurLadyOfFatimaPodcastFollow us on X:@FatimaPodcastThank you!

After Josiah's death, Judah spirals downward faster and faster toward the Babylonian exile. Jehoahaz's three-month reign is evil, and he is replaced by Jehoiakim, appointed by Pharaoh Neco. During the evil reign of Jehoiakim, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon comes up for a first time, taking captive Daniel and his friends. After Jehoiakim's reign, Nebuchadnezzar comes a second time. He not only loots the LORD's house, but he also takes captive the best of the people of Judah, including Ezekiel and the Davidic king, Jehoiachin. In his place, Nebuchadnezzar leaves Zedekiah as king over Judah. With each passing verse, the text makes plain that the end of Judah is coming, just as the LORD has spoken.   Rev. Lucas Witt, executive director of the Lutheran Mission Society of Maryland, headquartered in Baltimore, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 23:31-24:17.  To learn more about the Lutheram Mission Society of Maryland, visit www.compassionplace.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Have you ever thought about what your life says to others? Whether we realize it or not, our actions, words, and attitudes communicate something to those around us. In fact, each of us is like a living letter: telling a story through how we live. But whose story are we telling? This episode unpacks where the Apostle Paul describes believers as 'letters of Christ,' written not with ink but by the Spirit of God Himself. What does that mean for us today?  The Rev. Ryan Kleimola, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Toledo, OH, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Corinthians 3.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit  www.trinitylutheran.org. What does it mean to follow Christ in weakness? What does true ministry look like in the face of criticism, suffering, and spiritual warfare? And how can the Church hold fast to the Gospel when pressured by the world—and even by false teachers within? On Thy Strong Word, we walk verse by verse through, arguably, the apostle Paul's most personal, emotional, and paradoxical letter: 2 Corinthians. From forgiveness and reconciliation to generous giving and boasting only in the Lord, 2 Corinthians calls every believer to follow Christ boldly. This is the way of the cross, where God's grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in you. 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.

We conclude our study of chapter 21 from A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture's New Testament section.Please like and subscribe on YouTube:@OurLadyOfFatimaPodcastFollow us on X:@FatimaPodcastThank you!

The greatest act of rebellion is not with a gun, it is with the tongue. You rebel by speaking the forbidden. What is forbidden? The forbidden — the true crime of our age — is to identity the enemy. The enemy is Satan's synagogue.  The devil works through his children. Satan's synagogue and the devil's children are the Jews. (Rev 3:9, John 8:44). The greatest act of rebellion is to open one's mouth decalring that: “The soldiers of Satan are those who call themselves Jews” Rebellion against Satan is punishable by death: Jews murdered Jesus Christ because He was the threat to Jewish power (John 11:48). Jews murdered the Christians in the book of Acts because Christians were a threat to their power and control. The Bolsheviks (the Jews) murdered Christians in Russia because they were a threat to to their power. The Cultural Marxist (the Jews) suppress the Holy Scriptures because Jews/Marxists are Satan's Vanguard, his synagogue, his children. We are enslaved to the degree that we self-censor our tongue, our pen, and our thoughts. Rebellion begins between the ears and simply cannot be stopped by any person other than ourselves. We remain enslaved because we are cowards. Does rebellion (speaking) put Christians in danger? Of course. If we are not in danger from the Jew, then Christians have either completed the task of building Christian nations (which is not the case), or we have surrendered to the Jew.  We have surrendered to the Jew. We side with them. We protect them. We call them “God's chosen” when Christ called them the devil's children (John 8:44). A Christian is required to defy the Jew and say what is forbidden by the Jew. There is no third path. We overcome the devil and his children by the blood of the Lamb, the word of our testimony, and not loving our lives even unto death. The Blood of the Lamb has been provided. We must stop fearing death. We defy the fear of death by the word of our testimony — by saying the forbidden, by naming Satan's forces on earth, the Jews. Rebellion against Satan is a fundamental requirement of every Christian. Pastors are required to lead the fight against the devil's children. Failure to do so is cowardice in the face of the enemy — a crime punishable by death. So death is really your only option, Pastor. Either death at the Judgment Day for siding with the Jews (ask Judas Iscariot about that). Or death and suffering at the hands of the Jews in this life. Ask Jesus, James, Stephen and the men and women of Hebrews 11:36-38). There is no third path for you in this life. Fritz Berggren www.bloodandfaith.com  

Josiah doesn't leave the Book of the Law to gather dust again in the temple. Instead, he has it read to all the people, and together they join in renewing the covenant with the LORD. Taking concrete action in that faithfulness, Josiah undertakes to rid the land of idolatry as completely as possible. He even destroys the idolatrous shrine built by Jeroboam in Bethel, in fulfillment of the Word of God spoken three hundred years earlier. Furthermore, Josiah leads a Passover celebration beyond compare in the land of Judah. Nonetheless, the LORD's judgment against Judah will be carried out, and Josiah's life is tragically ended in battle against Pharaoh Neco of Egypt.  Rev. Tyler Hauptmeier, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Doniphan, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 23:1-30.  To learn more about St. Paul's Lutheran, visit spdoniphan.360unite.com. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

The goal of church discipline is reconciliation, not punishment. It isn't complete until forgiveness is given. In this chapter, Paul urges the Corinthians to restore a repentant sinner, reminding them that Satan doesn't just tempt us to sin, he tempts us to withhold grace. The Apostle urges them not to be victims to the schemes of Satan, but through it all, to continue carrying the pleasant aroma of Christ to a dying world.  The Rev. Dr. Curtis Deterding, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Corinthians 2:5-17.  To learn more about Zion Lutheran, visit zionfm.org. What does it mean to follow Christ in weakness? What does true ministry look like in the face of criticism, suffering, and spiritual warfare? And how can the Church hold fast to the Gospel when pressured by the world—and even by false teachers within? On Thy Strong Word, we walk verse by verse through, arguably, the apostle Paul's most personal, emotional, and paradoxical letter: 2 Corinthians. From forgiveness and reconciliation to generous giving and boasting only in the Lord, 2 Corinthians calls every believer to follow Christ boldly. This is the way of the cross, where God's grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in you. 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.

If you were edified by this recording, please share it with others, leave a review and a comment on ApplePodcasts, Spotify, or any podcasting platform to help others find the faithful preaching of Holy Scripture. ___________________Subscribe & Share: • Apple Podcasts: Christ For You • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0q7o8mzLFcEBBVnrYBKYWx?si=UjpbczgJTtWPMG-_MgTSnQ • Website: https://www.zionwg.org/podcastStay Connected: • Email: PastorRojas@ZionWG.org • Website: ZionWG.org

Although Josiah's father and grandfather were wicked idolaters, Josiah's thirty-one-year reign is characterized by more faithfulness than even his great-grandfather Hezekiah. When Josiah begins to repair the temple in the eighteenth year of his reign, the book of the Law is found and read. Rather than keeping the Word of God at arm's length, Josiah realizes that repentance is needed immediately. He turns to the LORD, and the prophetess Huldah reveals that exile will come upon Judah after Josiah has died in peace. The delay in God's judgment does not prevent Josiah from taking faithful action in his own day.  Rev. David Boisclair, pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 22:1-20.  To learn more about Our Redeemer, visit  www.ourredeemerstl.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

What happens when your motives are put under a microscope and people assume the worst? That's where Paul finds himself in this passage. Some in Corinth are questioning Paul's honesty and even his faithfulness to Christ; was it all because he changed his travel plans? Paul responds with open-hearted honesty, explaining the real reason for his decisions, even sharing the tears and anguish behind them. Explore what Christian integrity and pastoral care look like when trust is fragile and feelings are raw.  The Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:4. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/wrestlingwiththebasics.  What does it mean to follow Christ in weakness? What does true ministry look like in the face of criticism, suffering, and spiritual warfare? And how can the Church hold fast to the Gospel when pressured by the world—and even by false teachers within? On Thy Strong Word, we walk verse by verse through, arguably, the apostle Paul's most personal, emotional, and paradoxical letter: 2 Corinthians. From forgiveness and reconciliation to generous giving and boasting only in the Lord, 2 Corinthians calls every believer to follow Christ boldly. This is the way of the cross, where God's grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in you. 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.

We check out New Testament chapter 20 from A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture.Please support the Our Lady of Fatima Podcast:Buymeacoffee.com/TerenceMStantonLike and subscribe on YouTube:@OurLadyOfFatimaPodcastFollow us on X:@FatimaPodcastThank you!

After Hezekiah's faithfulness, his son and grandson reverse course entirely. Manasseh's fifty-five-year reign is full of all kinds of crass idolatry, both new and old. He also sheds innocent blood throughout Jerusalem, so that the LORD announces that the same judgment will come upon Judah as He has already brought on Israel. After the lengthy wickedness of Manasseh, Amon's reign lasts only two years and continues in crass idolatry.   Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 21:1-26.  To learn more about Glory of Christ, visit www.gloryofchrist.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Paul begins this letter to the Christians of Corinth by blessing God, calling Him the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. Despite his praise of God, Paul's journey has not been easy. He writes after enduring intense suffering, likely in Asia, where he says he was burdened beyond strength and felt certain he was going to die. This experience, Paul demonstrates, taught him to stop relying on himself and to trust fully in the God who raises the dead. As he writes again to the Corinthians (perhaps for the third or fourth time), Paul doesn't hide his affliction. He shares it so that the comfort he received from Christ might be passed on to others.   The Rev. Dennis McFadden, assistant pastor at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Corinthians 1.   What does it mean to follow Christ in weakness? What does true ministry look like in the face of criticism, suffering, and spiritual warfare? And how can the Church hold fast to the Gospel when pressured by the world—and even by false teachers within?   On Thy Strong Word, we walk verse by verse through, arguably, the apostle Paul's most personal, emotional, and paradoxical letter: 2 Corinthians. From forgiveness and reconciliation to generous giving and boasting only in the Lord, 2 Corinthians calls every believer to follow Christ boldly. This is the way of the cross, where God's grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in you.  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 does it mean to follow Christ in weakness? What does true ministry look like in the face of criticism, suffering, and spiritual warfare? And how can the Church hold fast to the Gospel when pressured by the world—and even by false teachers within?   On Thy Strong Word, we walk verse by verse through, arguably, the apostle Paul's most personal, emotional, and paradoxical letter: 2 Corinthians. From forgiveness and reconciliation to generous giving and boasting only in the Lord, 2 Corinthians calls every believer to follow Christ boldly. This is the way of the cross, where God's grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in you.  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.

If you were edified by this recording, please share it with others, leave a review and a comment on ApplePodcasts, Spotify, or any podcasting platform to help others find the faithful preaching of Holy Scripture. ___________________Subscribe & Share: • Apple Podcasts: Christ For You • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0q7o8mzLFcEBBVnrYBKYWx?si=UjpbczgJTtWPMG-_MgTSnQ • Website: https://www.zionwg.org/podcastStay Connected: • Email: PastorRojas@ZionWG.org • Website: ZionWG.org

If you were edified by this recording, please share it with others, leave a review and a comment on ApplePodcasts, Spotify, or any podcasting platform to help others find the faithful preaching of Holy Scripture. ___________________Subscribe & Share: • Apple Podcasts: Christ For You • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0q7o8mzLFcEBBVnrYBKYWx?si=UjpbczgJTtWPMG-_MgTSnQ • Website: https://www.zionwg.org/podcastStay Connected: • Email: PastorRojas@ZionWG.org • Website: ZionWG.org

We check out chapter 19 from the New Testament section of A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture. Please support the Our Lady of Fatima Podcast:Buymeacoffee.com/TerenceMStantonLike and subscribe on YouTube:@OurLadyOfFatimaPodcastFollow us on X:@FatimaPodcastThank you!

“The Bearer of God” | Christ For YouThe Visitation | Luke 1If you were edified by this recording, please share it with others, leave a review and a comment on ApplePodcasts, Spotify, or any podcasting platform to help others find the faithful preaching of Holy Scripture. ___________________Subscribe & Share:​Apple Podcasts: Christ For You​Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0q7o8mzLFcEBBVnrYBKYWx?si=UjpbczgJTtWPMG-_MgTSnQ​Website: https://www.zionwg.org/podcastStay Connected:​Email: PastorRojas@ZionWG.org​Website: ZionWG.org

We delve into New Testament chapter 18 from A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture.Please support the Our Lady of Fatima Podcast:Buymeacoffee.com/TerenceMStantonLike and subscribe on YouTube:@OurLadyOfFatimaPodcastFollow us on X:@FatimaPodcastThank you!

Two more events round out the account of Hezekiah's reign in Judah. When Hezekiah becomes sick and learns that he will die, the king does not react to the LORD's Word with despair but with faithful prayer, calling upon the LORD to remember. The LORD's answer through Isaiah is immediate, promising life from death for Hezekiah. The LORD graciously gives Hezekiah a sign that His Word is true, which Hezekiah receives in faith rather than unbelief like his father Ahaz. When Babylonian envoys come to Hezekiah, however, he receives them as a potential military ally, as his father Ahaz had once wrongly trusted in Assyria. When Hezekiah hears of the LORD's coming judgment, he responds with indifference. Hezekiah was a faithful king, to be sure, but even he needed the Savior who would be born from his line, Jesus.  Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 20:1-21.  To learn more about St. Paul's Lutheran, visit www.stpaulpaducah.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

This special Independence Day edition of Headlines features multiple rounds of patriotism-themed headlines, with two fabricated by the host and one real headline. The guest's challenge is to identify the real headline, which serves as a springboard for a deeper theological discussion. This episode explores the limits of patriotism and what it means to submit to governing authorities as duty to God.  The Rev. Jacob Hercamp, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, Noblesville, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to explore patriotism-related headlines.  To learn more about Christ Lutheran, visit www.clc-in.org. 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.

If you were edified by this recording, please share it with others, leave a review and a comment on ApplePodcasts, Spotify, or any podcasting platform to help others find the faithful preaching of Holy Scripture. ___________________Subscribe & Share: • Apple Podcasts: Christ For You • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0q7o8mzLFcEBBVnrYBKYWx?si=UjpbczgJTtWPMG-_MgTSnQ • Website: https://www.zionwg.org/podcastStay Connected: • Email: PastorRojas@ZionWG.org • Website: ZionWG.org

"Born in Asia and educated in Constantinople, he went into the army after completing his studies and became an officer. Reading the Holy Scriptures, he came upon the Saviour's words: 'If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell all thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come and follow Me' (Matt. 19:21). These words made such an impression on him that he sold and gave away all that he had, and went off to the desert. After long asceticism and striving for purification, he founded the community of the 'Wakeful Ones' (Acoemetae) with a special rule. According to this rule, the services in the church continued day and night in unbroken sequence. The brethren were divided into six groups, each having its appointed hours of day or night to go to church and take over the reading and singing from the previous group. He travelled a great deal over the East, bringing people to faith in Christ, disputing with heretics, working miracles by God's grace and growing old in the service of the Lord Jesus. He finished his earthly course in Constantinople in the year 430, where his relics revealed the miraculous power and glory with which God had glorified His holy servant." (Prologue)

King Hezekiah reacts to the Assyrian threat with faith in the LORD as Hezekiah goes directly to the LORD in the temple and sends for the prophet Isaiah. The LORD responds with a promise to Hezekiah through the prophet, even as Assyria counters with lies and taunts of its own. When Hezekiah receives a letter from the Assyrian king, Hezekiah lays the letter before the LORD in the temple in prayer, and the LORD again answers through the prophet Isaiah with words that promise deliverance for Judah in Hezekiah's days and deliverance for all people through the Christ to come. The LORD makes good on His promise by slaying the entire Assyrian army and bringing about the death of the Assyrian king in the temple of his worthless idol.  Rev. Martin Dressler, pastor at Salem Lutheran Church in Black Jack, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 19:1-37.  To learn more about Salem Lutheran, visit www.salembjmo.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

With Jacob dead, the brothers fear Joseph's revenge. They even fabricate a message from their father, begging Joseph's forgiveness. But Joseph weeps at their words and speaks one of Scripture's most profound theological statements: "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive." Joseph sees beyond human schemes to divine sovereignty. He promises to provide for them and their children, speaking kindly to comfort their hearts. As Joseph dies at 110, he echoes his father's faith, making his brothers swear to carry his bones out of Egypt when God visits them. Genesis ends with a coffin in Egypt, but with eyes fixed on the promised exodus.  The Rev. Kelly Krieg, pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Brenham, TX, joins guest host Rev. Doug Griebenaw, Mission Advocate for KFUO Radio, to study Genesis 50:15-26.  To learn more about Bethlehem, visit www.bethlehemwmpenn.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 reign of Hezekiah is a breath of fresh air after the wickedness of his father Ahaz. In faithfulness to the LORD alone, Hezekiah works to root out all sorts of idolatry in Judah. Hezekiah reigns over Judah during the destruction of Samaria, and the Assyrian threat comes against Judah next. The tribute Judah pays isn't enough to keep Assyria away, and Assyrian officials come to threaten Jerusalem. The Rabshakeh's speech taunts not only Hezekiah and the residents of Jerusalem, but ultimately mocks the one true God. Where Ahaz did not trust the LORD to deliver, Hezekiah will.  Rev. Andrew Jagow, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 18:1-37.  To learn more about Bethany Lutheran, visit www.bethany-lcms.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

With his final breath, Jacob commands his sons to bury him in the cave of Machpelah with Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah. This last request reveals where his heart truly lies—not in the prosperity of Egypt but in the promises of God. Joseph honors his father with a royal Egyptian funeral: forty days of embalming, seventy days of mourning, and a massive funeral procession including Egyptian dignitaries. Yet this grand Egyptian send-off ends in a simple cave in Canaan. Even Pharaoh's servants witness that Israel's hope lies not in Egypt's glory but in God's covenant promise. The journey to bury Jacob becomes a prophetic rehearsal for a greater exodus to come.  The Rev. Roger Mullet, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Buffalo, WY, joins guest host Rev. Doug Griebenaw, Mission Advocate for KFUO Radio, to study Genesis 49:29-50:14.  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.

During the reign of Ahaz in Judah, Hoshea comes to the throne of Israel, and he is the last king to reign in the northern kingdom. About the year 722 BC, the Assyrian Empire besieges Samaria and conquers Israel. The Scripture makes plain that this was no matter of historical accident, but rather, the LORD was bringing about His judgment against Israel for their idolatry which had characterized Israel from the days of Jeroboam son of Nebat. Judah too walked in these ways, but their destruction was yet to come. After Assyria conquered Israel, they moved some Israelites to other parts of their empire and moved other conquered people into Israel. The resulting conglomeration of people and religions provides the background for the enmity between Judeans and Samaritans in the New Testament.  Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 17:1-41.  To learn more about Crown of Life, visit www.crownoflifesa.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Jacob gathers his twelve sons for his final prophetic blessing—though for some, it sounds more like judgment. Reuben loses his preeminence, Simeon and Levi are scattered for their violence. But when Jacob reaches Judah, the prophecy soars: "The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him." This messianic promise identifies the tribe from which David and ultimately Christ would come. Each son receives words that will shape their tribal destiny. Some are difficult to understand, but all are part of God's sovereign plan. The dying patriarch speaks not his own wishes but God's revealed will for the future of His people.    The Rev. Bryan Stecker, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Waconia, MN, joins guest host Rev. Dustin Beck of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX to study Genesis 49:1-28.  To learn more about Triinity Lutheran, visit www.trinitywaconia.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 reign of King Ahaz in Judah is filled with the same wickedness that has characterized the northern kingdom, even the abominable practice of child sacrifice. When Ahaz is faced with the threat of an alliance against him, he chooses to make himself a son of the king of Assyria rather than trust in the promise made by the LORD through the prophet Isaiah. As part of appeasing the Assyrian king, Ahaz tours the pagan temple in Damascus and instructs the high priest in Jerusalem to remodel the LORD's temple accordingly. Ahaz keeps the LORD's altar off to the side, in case of an emergency, but his gesture is hollow. God be praised that the reign of Ahaz's son Hezekiah is faithful.  Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 16:1-20.  To learn more about Holy Cross, visit www.holycrosswarda.com. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Joseph brings his sons to the dying Jacob for a blessing, carefully positioning Manasseh, the firstborn, at Jacob's right hand. But Jacob crosses his hands, placing his right hand on younger Ephraim's head. When Joseph tries to correct this apparent mistake, Jacob refuses: "I know, my son, I know." This deliberate reversal echoes throughout Genesis—Abel over Cain, Isaac over Ishmael, Jacob over Esau—God consistently choosing the younger, the weaker, the unexpected. Jacob adopts Joseph's sons as his own, granting them full tribal status in Israel. The crossed hands of blessing point forward to another wooden cross where all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen."  The Rev. Dr. Matthew Tassey, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Shawnee, OK, joins guest-host Rev. David Boisclair of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO to study Genesis 48.  To learn more about Redeemer Lutheran, visit redeemershawnee.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.