Podcast appearances and mentions of john lutheran church

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.

May 28, 2025St. John Lutheran Church & School - Random Lake, WI Live StreamJoin the congregation of St. John in prayer each day at 9 a.m. CST. We meet as a congregation for Divine Service each Sunday at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., and on festival days, where God serves us with His gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation.WEBSITE: https://sjrl.org EMAIL: church@sjrl.org  SUPPORT: https://sjrl.org/donate SERVICE BULLETINS: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1omip_adCkH9LlnL8LXWUWdYG-tMl-VXg&usp=drive_fs SUBSCRIBE:YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@StJohnRandomLake Rumble https://rumble.com/c/stjohnshermancenter Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stjohnrandomlake/live X https://twitter.com/STJLRandomLake Odysee https://odysee.com/@stjohnshermancenterApple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lutheran-preaching-and-teaching-from-st-john-random/id1344559511Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2ANc5uTut6dXPyeUEsPspY?si=b1b4e0fce3004e04Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1344559511RSS https://anchor.fm/s/25c9700/podcast/rss

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.

Solomon's prayer of dedication at the temple recognizes the reality that the people of Israel will fall into all kinds of sin, and so he prays that the LORD will be gracious to them in their sin, hear their prayer toward His temple, and forgive. After Solomon finishes his prayer, he blesses Israel by calling them to attend to the Word of God, which does not fail. The sacrifices and joy at the temple's dedication overflow at the goodness that God has shown to His people.  Rev. Sam Beltz, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Oskalossa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 8:31-66.  To learn more about St. John Lutheran, visit www.stjohnosky.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

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.

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.

Imagine being seventy-five years old. You've settled into life. You know the rhythms of the land. Your family is rooted. You've built a name in your father's house and a future in your own. And then, one day, the God you've never known speaks to you with a command: “Go.” No map. No guarantee. Just a promise: “I will bless...” This is not just the beginning of Abraham's journey, it is another turning point of human history. The dividing line between Babel's curse and a world blessed through one man. And as he walks away from everything familiar, Abram steps into something far more dangerous—and far more divine.  The Rev. Prof. Adolph Harstad, professor at Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary, Mankato, MN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 11 and 12.  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 world spoke one language. One voice. One people. And deep down, one fear. God had said, “Fill the earth.” But they said, “Let's stay. Let's build. Let's make a name for ourselves.” They built a tower, not just of bricks, but of pride and fear. They rebelled against God's will and gathered around a monument to self-preservation. Their fear of being scattered would come to pass regardless, as God came down and corrected the course of history.   The Rev. Steven Cholak, assistant pastor and chaplain at Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in Houston, TX, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 10.  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.

If you've ever tried to trace your family tree, you know how complicated it can get. There are names you don't recognize, distant relatives you've never met, stories half-remembered. Now imagine tracing not just your family, but tracing back to the beginning of the human race. That's what Genesis 10 gives us. Often called the “Table of Nations,” it's a record of how the descendants of Noah's three sons spread across the earth after the flood. But more than a list of names, it's a map of God's faithfulness, setting the stage for every nation, every language, and ultimately, for the story of salvation that will unfold.  The Rev. Roger Mullet, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Buffalo, WY, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 10.  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 flood has passed. Noah and his family walk into a world washed clean. In Genesis 9, God speaks with grace and authority. He blesses Noah, reaffirms his first command for fruitfulness, and establishes a covenant with every living creature. The rainbow becomes a lasting sign of God's promise never to destroy the earth by flood again. Yet even in this new beginning, sin is not far away. Today we hear of God's mercy, human weakness, and a covenant that points forward to a greater promise still to come.  The Rev. Steven Theiss, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 9.  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.

Water covered everything. The storms and bursting springs had done their work. God had unleashed upon the world a catastrophic flood against which all future watery disasters would be judged. And when the rain stopped, there was nothing left but silence. Then, Genesis 8 begins with one of the most powerful phrases in Scripture: ‘God remembered Noah.' Not that He ever forgot, but that He now acts on his promises. The same God who judged the world in righteousness now moves in mercy.  The Rev. Peter Burfeind, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Union City, MI and Agnus Dei Lutheran Church in Marshall, MI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 8.  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.

Look around at society today and it's easy to see the corruption of sin. Each day it feels like the world is going further and further off the rails. Violence is rising, truth is ignored, and faith seems like a relic. But what if I told you this was nothing new? When you see faithlessness and violence rising and believers experiencing mockery and increasing persecution, know that none of this is surprising to God. In Genesis 7 we continue the account of Noah and the flood. God promised a flood in judgment—and now it's raining. This isn't just ancient history. It's a wake-up call that sin and disobedience rightly draw God's wrath, but even amid judgement God shows grace.  The Rev. Dan Eddy, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Beloit, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 7.  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.

Things fall apart—our sin has corrupted God's creation. That's the sense you get as you open Genesis 6. The world God once called ‘very good' is now soaked in violence, corrupted to its core. The sons of God blur the boundaries, the mighty ones take what they want, and the Lord looks and grieves. But all is not lost. One man still walks with God. This man God calls to builds an Ark while everyone else is building their lives on sand. For the next four chapters, we step into the days of Noah—a time of chaos, judgment, and surprising grace.  The Rev. Jacob Hercamp, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Noblesville, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 6.   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.

Things fall apart—our sin has corrupted God's creation. That's the sense you get as you open Genesis 6. The world God once called ‘very good' is now soaked in violence, corrupted to its core. The sons of God blur the boundaries, the mighty ones take what they want, and the Lord looks and grieves. But all is not lost. One man still walks with God. This man God calls to builds an Ark while everyone else is building their lives on sand. For the next four chapters, we step into the days of Noah—a time of chaos, judgment, and surprising grace.  The Rev. Jacob Hercamp, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Noblesville, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 6.   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.

Some say it's a rookie mistake to try and read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Why? The “begats.” There are plenty of places in the Bible where we get lists of genealogies, inventories, and other detailed records. It's easy to get stuck in these places or skip over them. Genesis 5 is like those, but it is more than a record of who begat whom, it's a slow drumbeat of mortality following the fall: “and he died… and he died…” The curse marches on. And yet, tucked in the middle of this graveyard of names is a flicker of something different. One man didn't die. He walked with God and then he was not. What does that mean? Listen in as we uncover the gospel hidden in the genealogy and why this chapter still points us to Jesus.  The Rev. Dr. Keith Haney, Assistant to the President for Missions, Human Care, and Stewardship in the Iowa West District--LCMS, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 5.  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 fall didn't end at the garden gate. Sin followed humanity into the next generation, and its consequences turned deadly. In Genesis 4, we meet two brothers. One offers his best to the Lord in faith. The other offers his sacrifice unworthily. One is received. The other is warned to do good and seek to please God. And when that warning is ignored, the first human blood is spilled in anger. But this isn't just a story about jealousy or murder, it's about worship, faith, repentance, and the mercy of a God who still speaks to sinners. Even in judgment, He marks Cain. Not to punish, but to preserve (at least for a time).  The Rev. Chris Matthis, pastor of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Castle Rock, CO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 4.  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.

Adam and Eve lived in a world untouched by pain, guilt, or fear. They walked with God. They knew only the good of God's creation and His will for them. But in Genesis 3, a voice enters the garden. We are introduced to one who would be our Accuser, the enemy of God and God's people. The woman considers the serpent's question, “Did God actually say..?” And for the first time ever she seeks to fulfill her own desires rather than God's will. She eats. Her husband who stood by and did nothing, does something worse: he also eats. And with that one act, we learn the answer to the questions, “Why do bad things happen? Why is there sin and death in the world?”  The Rev. Thomas Eckstein, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 3.   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.

Genesis 1 gave us the wide-angle view of creation—majestic, ordered, cosmic. But Genesis 2 zooms in. Here, the Creator gets His hands dirty. He forms man from dust, breathes life into his lungs, and places him in a garden unlike any other. This chapter isn't a second creation account—it's a deeper one, more personal, more intimate. Meet the first man and the first woman, their first vocation, and the first commandment.  The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 2.  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.

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.

Before there was light, sky, sea, or land, and before time itself ticked its first second, there was only God. Not a god of myth or imagination, but the living Creator who speaks, and by His Word, worlds are born. In this opening chapter of Genesis, the foundations of everything—truth, order, purpose, even the Gospel—are laid bare. And it's not just ancient history. It's your story too. Join us as we step into the grandeur, the mystery, and the beauty of the creation account—and as we begin our journey through the book of Genesis, where the seeds of salvation history are planted in the very soil of Eden.  The Rev. President Terry Forke, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Harlowton, MT and St. Paul in Roundup, MT, and president of the Montana District—LCMS, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 1. 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 chief power of the Law is to reveal original sin with all its fruit. We know how low our human nature has fallen in that we need the Law to increase our trespass (Romans 5:20), so as not to harden our hearts. The Law shows us our sin, restrains us from sin, and in Christ by the help of the Holy Spirit, enables us to live a holy life. “Lord God, show us our sin that we may bear fruit of repentance and believe in Christ's forgiveness. Amen.” Rev. Andy Wright, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church, Topeka, KS, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the Law. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org. 

As Hebrews comes to a close, we're reminded again: Jesus is our altar, our sacrifice, our High Priest. We are called to bear His reproach, to live in obedience, and to trust in God's work in us. This is no ordinary farewell—it's a final charge to stand firm in grace. Let's finish the race well. The Rev. Robert Smith, pastor emeritus in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Hebrews 13:9-25. For centuries, God spoke through prophets, in visions, through fire and thunder on Mount Sinai. But now, Hebrews tells us, He has spoken fully and finally in His Son. This book isn't just another epistle—it's the key that unlocks the Old Testament, revealing how everything was always pointing to Christ. The prophets, the angels, the priesthood, the sacrifices—all find their fulfillment in Him. Over the next several weeks, we'll walk through Hebrews, uncovering its depth, its urgency, and its breathtaking vision of Jesus as the great High Priest, the perfect sacrifice, and the One who is greater than all who came before. If you've ever wondered how the Old and New Testaments connect, how the shadows become substance, this is the book to study. 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.

Holiness. Brotherly love. Contentment. Hebrews calls us to live as those who belong to an unshakable kingdom. The author sharpens his focus: ‘Pursue peace… see to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God… offer worship that pleases Him.' These verses are a call to live the faith we confess in community, in love, in steadfast trust in the Christ who never changes. Yet, the warning is clear: do not refuse Him who speaks.   The Rev. Ryan Kleimola, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Toledo, OH, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Hebrews 12:4-13:8.  For centuries, God spoke through prophets, in visions, through fire and thunder on Mount Sinai. But now, Hebrews tells us, He has spoken fully and finally in His Son. This book isn't just another epistle—it's the key that unlocks the Old Testament, revealing how everything was always pointing to Christ. The prophets, the angels, the priesthood, the sacrifices—all find their fulfillment in Him. Over the next several weeks, we'll walk through Hebrews, uncovering its depth, its urgency, and its breathtaking vision of Jesus as the great High Priest, the perfect sacrifice, and the One who is greater than all who came before. If you've ever wondered how the Old and New Testaments connect, how the shadows become substance, this is the book to study. 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 do a marathon runner, a seasoned coach, and a disciplined father all have in common? According to Hebrews 12, they each offer a glimpse into the Christian life—a race run with endurance, a life shaped by correction, and a goal always in sight. Today, we lace up our spiritual shoes and step into the challenge: what does it mean to run with perseverance, especially when the path is uphill and the training is tough? Let's find out.  The Rev. John Lukomski, pastor emeritus and co-Host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Hebrews 12:1-13.  For centuries, God spoke through prophets, in visions, through fire and thunder on Mount Sinai. But now, Hebrews tells us, He has spoken fully and finally in His Son. This book isn't just another epistle—it's the key that unlocks the Old Testament, revealing how everything was always pointing to Christ. The prophets, the angels, the priesthood, the sacrifices—all find their fulfillment in Him. Over the next several weeks, we'll walk through Hebrews, uncovering its depth, its urgency, and its breathtaking vision of Jesus as the great High Priest, the perfect sacrifice, and the One who is greater than all who came before. If you've ever wondered how the Old and New Testaments connect, how the shadows become substance, this is the book to study. 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.

Hebrews 11:23–40 continues the powerful “Hall of Faith,” highlighting men and women who trusted God in the face of danger, hardship, and uncertainty. From Moses' parents defying Pharaoh to the prophets who endured persecution, this passage celebrates those who chose faith over fear, obedience over comfort, and eternal hope over temporary safety. Some saw great victories; others suffered and died without receiving what was promised—yet all were commended for their faith. Together, their stories point beyond themselves to the greater fulfillment found in Christ.  The Rev. Nathaniel Brown, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Correll, MN, Trinity Lutheran Church in Bellingham, MN, and Trinity Lutheran Church in Odessa, MN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Hebrews 11:23-40.  For centuries, God spoke through prophets, in visions, through fire and thunder on Mount Sinai. But now, Hebrews tells us, He has spoken fully and finally in His Son. This book isn't just another epistle—it's the key that unlocks the Old Testament, revealing how everything was always pointing to Christ. The prophets, the angels, the priesthood, the sacrifices—all find their fulfillment in Him. Over the next several weeks, we'll walk through Hebrews, uncovering its depth, its urgency, and its breathtaking vision of Jesus as the great High Priest, the perfect sacrifice, and the One who is greater than all who came before. If you've ever wondered how the Old and New Testaments connect, how the shadows become substance, this is the book to study. 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.

Did you know the biblical authors used cultural references in their inspired writings? From Greek poets to Jewish folklore, the apostles Paul and Jude make some surprising references. Are they just using familiar stories to make a point? Or are they giving those stories some kind of authority? And what does it mean for how we use fiction, folklore, or pop culture in sermons and teaching today?  The Rev. Jacob Benson, pastor of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lovell, WY, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to discuss cultural references in the Bible.  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.

Hebrews 11 introduces the “Hall of Faith” by defining faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. The Holy Spirit leads us through the lives of key figures from the Old Testament—Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph—who lived by faith in God's promises, even when those promises seemed distant or impossible. Their stories reveal a pattern of trust, obedience, and hope rooted not in what they could see, but in the unseen future God had prepared for them.  The Rev. Doug Minton, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Hebrews 11:1-22.  For centuries, God spoke through prophets, in visions, through fire and thunder on Mount Sinai. But now, Hebrews tells us, He has spoken fully and finally in His Son. This book isn't just another epistle—it's the key that unlocks the Old Testament, revealing how everything was always pointing to Christ. The prophets, the angels, the priesthood, the sacrifices—all find their fulfillment in Him. Over the next several weeks, we'll walk through Hebrews, uncovering its depth, its urgency, and its breathtaking vision of Jesus as the great High Priest, the perfect sacrifice, and the One who is greater than all who came before. If you've ever wondered how the Old and New Testaments connect, how the shadows become substance, this is the book to study. 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.

Because of Christ's finished work, we have confidence to enter the Holy Place—but we must not shrink back. Hebrews urges us to hold fast, to stir one another up, and to endure even in suffering. Some have abandoned the faith, and the warning is serious: the Lord will judge His people. Let's press on in faith.  The Hon. Rev. Scot Kerns, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Easton, PA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Hebrews 10:19-39.   For centuries, God spoke through prophets, in visions, through fire and thunder on Mount Sinai. But now, Hebrews tells us, He has spoken fully and finally in His Son. This book isn't just another epistle—it's the key that unlocks the Old Testament, revealing how everything was always pointing to Christ. The prophets, the angels, the priesthood, the sacrifices—all find their fulfillment in Him. Over the next several weeks, we'll walk through Hebrews, uncovering its depth, its urgency, and its breathtaking vision of Jesus as the great High Priest, the perfect sacrifice, and the One who is greater than all who came before. If you've ever wondered how the Old and New Testaments connect, how the shadows become substance, this is the book to study. 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 law was a shadow, not the substance. Hebrews 10:1–18 brings us to the heart of God's redemptive plan: the sacrificial system wasn't a mistake—it was a mercy. But it could never cleanse the conscience. Now, in Christ's once-for-all offering, we see the fulfillment of what those sacrifices pointed toward. The repetition ends. The guilt is taken away. And the Holy Spirit testifies: “I will remember their sins no more.” What does it mean to live forgiven—fully, finally, forever?  The Rev. Derek Waffel, pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church in Huntsville, AL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Hebrews 10:1-18.  For centuries, God spoke through prophets, in visions, through fire and thunder on Mount Sinai. But now, Hebrews tells us, He has spoken fully and finally in His Son. This book isn't just another epistle—it's the key that unlocks the Old Testament, revealing how everything was always pointing to Christ. The prophets, the angels, the priesthood, the sacrifices—all find their fulfillment in Him. Over the next several weeks, we'll walk through Hebrews, uncovering its depth, its urgency, and its breathtaking vision of Jesus as the great High Priest, the perfect sacrifice, and the One who is greater than all who came before. If you've ever wondered how the Old and New Testaments connect, how the shadows become substance, this is the book to study. 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.

When God established His covenant with Israel, He didn't create empty rituals; every sacrifice was His sacred design for forgiving sins through the blood He commanded to be shed. But Hebrews 9 reveals these God-ordained sacrifices were pointing forward to something greater, like checks written against a coming deposit, the people received forgiveness in light of the coming Messiah who would make perfect the entire sacrificial system. Now Christ has entered as both the perfect High Priest and the flawless Lamb, turning those provisional promises into permanent redemption.   The Rev. Steven Theiss, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Hebrews 9:16-28.  For centuries, God spoke through prophets, in visions, through fire and thunder on Mount Sinai. But now, Hebrews tells us, He has spoken fully and finally in His Son. This book isn't just another epistle—it's the key that unlocks the Old Testament, revealing how everything was always pointing to Christ. The prophets, the angels, the priesthood, the sacrifices—all find their fulfillment in Him. Over the next several weeks, we'll walk through Hebrews, uncovering its depth, its urgency, and its breathtaking vision of Jesus as the great High Priest, the perfect sacrifice, and the One who is greater than all who came before. If you've ever wondered how the Old and New Testaments connect, how the shadows become substance, this is the book to study. 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.

You know that sinking feeling when your credit card statement arrives? You made the minimum payment last month but the balance barely budged. For centuries, that was humanity's spiritual reality: sacrifice after sacrifice, payment after payment, but the full debt of sin never went away. The blood of bulls and goats was like a religious minimum payment - it kept the account open but couldn't completely zero out the balance. Hebrews 9 reveals God's radical solution: one perfect payment, in full, for good. No revolving debt. No hidden fees. Just a clean slate signed in the blood of Christ.   The Rev. Jason Kaspar, pastor of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church and Preschool in La Grange, TX, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Hebrews 9:1-15.  For centuries, God spoke through prophets, in visions, through fire and thunder on Mount Sinai. But now, Hebrews tells us, He has spoken fully and finally in His Son. This book isn't just another epistle—it's the key that unlocks the Old Testament, revealing how everything was always pointing to Christ. The prophets, the angels, the priesthood, the sacrifices—all find their fulfillment in Him. Over the next several weeks, we'll walk through Hebrews, uncovering its depth, its urgency, and its breathtaking vision of Jesus as the great High Priest, the perfect sacrifice, and the One who is greater than all who came before. If you've ever wondered how the Old and New Testaments connect, how the shadows become substance, this is the book to study. 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 new covenant—better than the old, built on better promises. Hebrews lays out the contrast between what came through Moses and what is fulfilled in Christ. The old was temporary; the new is eternal. If we're still clinging to shadows, this calls us to step into the light.  The Rev. Jacob Hercamp, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Noblesville, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Hebrews 8:1-13.  For centuries, God spoke through prophets, in visions, through fire and thunder on Mount Sinai. But now, Hebrews tells us, He has spoken fully and finally in His Son. This book isn't just another epistle—it's the key that unlocks the Old Testament, revealing how everything was always pointing to Christ. The prophets, the angels, the priesthood, the sacrifices—all find their fulfillment in Him. Over the next several weeks, we'll walk through Hebrews, uncovering its depth, its urgency, and its breathtaking vision of Jesus as the great High Priest, the perfect sacrifice, and the One who is greater than all who came before. If you've ever wondered how the Old and New Testaments connect, how the shadows become substance, this is the book to study. 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.