Podcasts about Trinity Lutheran Church

As the descendants of Jehu continue to reign in Israel, they do not turn away from the sin of Jeroboam the son of Nebat. However, Jehoahaz does seek the LORD's favor, and the LORD responds by graciously sending a savior. Jehoash serves as king in Israel during the days of Elisha's death. Elisha gives the word of the LORD to Jehoash the king as a father teaches a child, and it is a gracious word from the LORD of victory over Syria. The miracle that is done through Elisha even after the prophet has died foreshadows the miracle of eternal life that comes through the Prophet who has been raised from the dead, our Lord Jesus Christ.  Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 13:1-25.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitymillstadt.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

Jesus Overcomes Our Estrangement | Luke 8:26–39 Estrangement is more than distance—it's a broken relationship, where communication has collapsed and people live in separation, sometimes even hostility. In Luke 8, we meet a man who embodies this estrangement: isolated, tormented, and living among the dead. Yet Jesus crosses the sea to reach even him. In this sermon, we see how Jesus heals the man possessed by a legion of demons, not merely to show power over evil—but to overcome separation. Separation from self. From others. From God. That same Savior still comes to us today—through the boat of His Church, in the power of His Word and Spirit. He brings healing where there is hurt, communion where there is division, and peace where there was once only torment. Jesus overcomes our estrangement. Key Takeaway: Jesus doesn't avoid the broken—He seeks them. He brings the Gospel to the spiritually isolated, and He restores us to the family of God.

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

Elisha cared for the Shunammite woman after he raised her son from the dead by warning her to sojourn elsewhere during a famine. When she returned, the king of Israel showed that he was not entirely faithless by returning her family land. Elisha began to fulfill the ministry of Elijah by telling Hazael that he would be king in Syria, and God brought that word to fulfillment. In those days, the line of David intermarried with the line of Ahab, leading to trouble in the kingdom of Judah.  Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 8:1-29.  To learn more about Trinity, visit www.trinitylutheranottumwa.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

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

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

Bible Study at Trinity Lutheran Church, Murdock, NE (15 June 2025)

Sermon preached at Trinity Lutheran Church, Murdock, NE (15 June 2025). Text: Ephesians 6:4.

June 7, 2025 Today's Reading: John 14:8-21Daily Lectionary: Numbers 20:22-21:9; Luke 20:45-21:19“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.” (John 14:16)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The Holy Spirit is God, as much as the Father is God and the Son is God. We confess this truth every time we speak one of the Creeds. But if the Spirit is God, why don't we give as much attention to the Holy Spirit as we do to the Father and the Son?On the one hand, we probably should spend more time thinking about the Holy Spirit and praising Him for all that He does for us. Not only is He God, but we would be lost without the Holy Spirit. Luther reminds us in the Small Catechism that we “cannot by our own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ our Lord or come to Him.” It is the Holy Spirit who grants us saving faith in Jesus.  St. Paul also reminds us that it is only by the Holy Spirit that we can do good works, pleasing in God's sight. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control,” (Galatians 5:22-23). We literally could not be holy to God without the work of the Holy Spirit.But on the other hand, Jesus reminds us that in a way, this is what the Holy Spirit wants. Jesus calls the Spirit the “Helper.” The Holy Spirit acts as our helper by pointing us to Jesus. He directs our attention to Christ because it is Jesus alone who takes on our sinful flesh and suffers and dies for us. The Spirit teaches us all these things about Christ and brings them to our remembrance (John 14:26) by inspiring the prophets and apostles to write the Scriptures for us, and by working through the preaching of God's Word. That is how saving faith is created and sustained in us.Jesus, in turn, leads us to the Father (John 14:6) and shows us the Father's face (John 14:9). That is salvation. The faith of a Christian, the faith that is created by the work of the Holy Spirit, is always centered around Jesus Christ, our Lord.It is certainly good and right to praise God, the Holy Spirit, and acknowledge His work among us. And the best way to do that is to direct our eyes to Jesus and believe in Him. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty and ever-living God, You fulfilled Your promise by sending the gift of the Holy Spirit to unite disciples of all nations in the cross and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. By the preaching of the Gospel spread this gift to the ends of the earth; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for Pentecost Eve)- Rev. Aric Fenske, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church and Trinity Lutheran Church in Bear Creek, WI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Tim sits down with Brian Stecker, associate pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waconia, Minnesota, and creator of the "On the Line" podcast, to explore theological leadership in today's changing religious landscape. They discuss how traditional Lutheran theology can engage with contemporary culture while maintaining its rich intellectual tradition.• CS Lewis's powerful influence as a bridge between classical education and modern thinking• The importance of story in cultivating Christian imagination and faith formation• Brian's unexpected journey from business to pastoral ministry through Tolkien's stories• On-the-job pastoral learning and the value of theological "soft skills" in difficult situations• Understanding the pastor's role as a leader within proper theological frameworks• The LCMS's significant opportunity to expand its digital media presence• How intellectually substantive content is attracting audiences contrary to conventional wisdom• The "unfair advantage" of traditional theology as younger generations seek deeper roots• Building unity within the LCMS while engaging diverse perspectivesConnect with Brian's work at ontheline.net or visit Trinity Waconia's website to learn more about their ministry.Friar TimeThrough meaningful interviews and heartfelt conversations, Friar Time, hosted by Fr....Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Tailwind TalksTailwind Talks is a podcast for high-performing professionals who want to build...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

What does it take to establish a strong foundation for church work formation and recruitment in the culture of our congregations, schools, and the larger church body? The Rev. Dr. Lucas Woodford (President of the LCMS Minnesota South District, Regent at Concordia University St. Paul, and Associate Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Farmington, MN) and the Rev. David Nehrenz (President of the LCMS Oklahoma District and Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Norman, OK) join Andy and Sarah to talk about their paths to becoming a pastor and district president, how each of their districts is forming and recruiting church workers, why a mindset for formation and recruitment is important, why collaboration on growing a culture of church work formation across the LCMS is important, why it's particularly crucial to have the support and collaboration of schools in this culture, and the benefits each has seen so far from these collaborative efforts in Set Apart to Serve in their districts and across Synod. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org. Today's episode of The Coffee Hour is underwritten in part by Concordia University, Nebraska. You can learn more about Concordia University, Nebraska at cune.edu

June 6, 2025 Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost - Psalm 104:24, 27-28, 30; antiphon: Liturgical TextDaily Lectionary: Numbers 20:1-21; Luke 20:19-44“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful, and kindle in them the fire of your love. Alleluia.” (Liturgical text)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. What's in your heart? If you're honest with yourself, most of it's not pretty! There's a good chance there's some anger toward your parents or teachers in there. Probably also some jealousy toward your friends or classmates who have newer cars, or bigger homes, or are smarter or more athletic than you. And I'm sure if you dug deep, you could find much uglier stuff than that.Not that this should surprise us. God's Word has plenty to say about our sinful hearts. Do you remember what God said before He told Noah to build the ark? “The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). Or how about Jesus, when He said, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander,” (Matthew 15:19)? There's plenty of sin in each of our hearts.Thankfully, God has promised to put something else into our hearts. “And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them” (Ezekiel 11:19). That new spirit God promises to put in our hearts is none other than His own Holy Spirit!This is why Pentecost is such a big deal! The Father and the Son send forth the Holy Spirit so that God Himself can come and fill our hearts, just as we pray in the Introit for the day. Here, we learn that all three Persons of the Trinity work in perfect harmony and unity to grant us salvation. The Father sends His only-begotten Son. The Son lives, dies, and rises for our salvation. And the Father and Son send us the Spirit through Jesus' Word and Sacraments to create and sustain faith in our hearts, a faith which clings to the promise of forgiveness in Jesus.So even though our hearts are filled with sin and will be as long as we live, we don't despair. The Holy Spirit resides in our hearts, too! This means that we live as redeemed children of God, knowing that Christ has washed away our sin and won't count them against us.And if that weren't enough, the Holy Spirit changes our sinful hearts as He dwells in them. By His power, we learn to truly love. “We love God because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). And, because we learn to love God, we also begin to love one another (1 John 4:7). No wonder the Church prays, “Come, Holy Spirit!”  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord, with all your graces now outpoured On each believer's mind and heart; Your fervent love to them impart. (LSB 497:1)- Rev. Aric Fenske, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church and Trinity Lutheran Church in Bear Creek, WI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

June 5, 2025 Today's Reading: Catechism: The Lord's Prayer - The Sixth PetitionDaily Lectionary: Numbers 16:41-17:13; Numbers 18:1-19:22; Luke 20:1-18“Lead us not into temptation.” (The Lord's Prayer - The Sixth Petition)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God doesn't tempt us. Why would He? He doesn't want us to sin. He suffered and died to free us from the power of sin and its consequences. He clearly doesn't want us to sin.As obvious as this seems, it's still important to be reminded of this. If God did tempt us, then we'd try to blame Him every time we mess up and sin. That's what Adam did. “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she deceived me and I ate” (Genesis 3:12). As if God were somehow responsible for their disobedience. How crazy!God tempts no one. He doesn't get any of the blame for our sinful thoughts, words, and deeds. We get the blame. “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire” (James 1:14). Our own sinful hearts tempt us to doubt God's Word and disobey His commands because that Old Adam is diametrically opposed to the things of God.Of course, the devil and the sinful world play a part, too. The devil is all too familiar with your sinful desires, and he will inflame those desires by urging and enticing you to follow your Old Adam instead of God. The world who hates God is also there, beckoning us to join them in loving ourselves and the world more than God. They surround us with sights, sounds, and opportunities that our sinful nature would love to partake of.We might say that temptations to sin come from everywhere but God! This is why Jesus teaches us to pray this petition. He knows that these temptations constantly surround us. He knows because He was “tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrew 4:15). During His earthly life, Jesus was tempted by the devil and the world, too. He knows how strong temptation can be. And He alone knows what is needed for us to overcome it.So Jesus teaches and invites us to pray to the Father in His name, asking that God would lead us through temptation when it comes and keep us from falling. And with this invitation is the promise that He will send us aid. He promises to instruct us in His Word, to strengthen us with His Spirit, and to guard us with His holy angels. And, thankfully, He also promises to forgive us when we fail, graciously keep us as His beloved children, and grant us the final victory over sin on the Last Day.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O God, who tempts no one to sin, guard and keep us so that the devil, the world, and our own sinful natures may not deceive us or lead us into false belief, despair, or other great shame and vice. And when we are attacked by these things, we pray that You would grant us to overcome them and win the victory; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen. - Rev. Aric Fenske, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church and Trinity Lutheran Church in Bear Creek, WI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

June 4, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 19:29-48Daily Lectionary: Numbers 16:23-40; Luke 19:29-48“Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes,” (Luke 19:42)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The people of Judea were welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem with shouts of joy, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:38). The people were excited because they expected Jesus to bring them peace. But while they were shouting for joy, Jesus was weeping for them. He wept because even though the people were expecting peace, many of them weren't going to get it.Why? Because they didn't know the “things that make for peace.” You see, the Jews were only looking for worldly peace. They were longing for a new king like David, who would free them from Roman oppression. And they had hoped that Jesus was that guy. But He wasn't. At least not in the way they thought. Jesus didn't come to be an earthly king, to rule in an earthly kingdom and bring a worldly type of peace.Jesus came to bring us the “peace that passes all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). That is, peace with God. And just what are the things that make for this peace? The death and resurrection of Jesus, of course! Through Jesus, for the sake of His innocent suffering and death, we are reconciled to our heavenly Father, and we live with the hope of everlasting life in the Father's kingdom. That hope cannot be taken from us, no matter what happens in this life.As Jesus rode into Jerusalem to win that peace for us, He knew that many of the Jews He encountered that day weren't going to receive it. They rejected Him because they were so obsessed with earthly things that they didn't want the peace that He brought.  We've got to be careful that we don't do the same thing. God has given us so many wonderful gifts, such as our families and friends, money, the ability to play sports, and the intelligence to get into a great college. While these can all be great blessings from God, we shouldn't think that these blessings are the source of our peace, at least not true, lasting peace. Sadly, friends can betray us; money can be taken from us. Popularity, looks, and health will all fade away. True peace only comes from Jesus. Thankfully, He wants you to have it, and He offers you what you need to have it. He gives you His Word along with His crucified and risen Body and Blood in the Sacrament of the Altar. When you receive the Word and Sacrament in faith, you receive the things that make for peace. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Thy work alone, O Christ, Can ease this weight of sin; Thy blood alone, O Lamb of God, Can give me peace within. (LSB 567:3)- Rev. Aric Fenske, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church and Trinity Lutheran Church in Bear Creek, WI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

June 3, 2025 Today's Reading: Revelation 22:1-6 (7-11) 12-20Daily Lectionary: Numbers 16:1-22; Luke 19:11-28“No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.” (Revelation 22:3)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. When you think about heaven, what are the things you look forward to the most? Is it having your resurrected body? Maybe it's being reunited with your believing family and friends for all eternity. I, for one, am looking forward to that feast of rich food that God promises to Isaiah (Isaiah 25:6)!  Or maybe you look forward to not having the things that will be missing. When St. John was given his vision of heaven, he saw that there was nothing “accursed” there. There won't be anybody in heaven who hates you. You won't have all those terrible thoughts or do or say wicked things because your sinful nature will be gone, along with all other temptations. There won't be any sickness or disease or danger. No sin of any kind!These are certainly all wonderful things to look forward to. But St. John reminds us today that there's one thing (or one Person, rather) in heaven that should be our main hope. “The throne of God and of the Lamb” will be there. God the Father will be there. The Holy Spirit will be there. And Jesus will be there. God isn't some kind of door prize that comes along with heaven; He is what it's all about.Besides, what could be better than basking forever in the presence of the God who made you and loved you so much that He took on your flesh, suffered and died for you, and then came to you in the Word and Sacrament to grant you saving faith? Remember the 1st Commandment? “You shall have no other gods.” Hidden in this commandment is a wonderful promise. When you have the Triune God as your Lord, you have everything you could ever need and more! You don't need any other gods. There is nothing better than being in the gracious presence of God.Thankfully, we don't have to wait until heaven to enjoy the blessings of God's presence! Even now, God comes to us through His Means Of Grace, the Word and Sacraments to bless us. He comes to us to give us everything that we need to join Him in heaven. That would include especially the forgiveness of sins won by Jesus. But God also comes to us to give us the fruits of the Spirit, like patience, strength, repentance, and every Gift that we might need as we wait for the day that God gathers us to heaven.There truly is nothing better than being in God's presence—now and forever!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O Christ, do Thou my soul prepare for that bright home of love. That I may see Thee and adore with all Thy saints above. (LSB 673:6 )- Rev. Aric Fenske, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church and Trinity Lutheran Church in Bear Creek, WI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

----- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A

----- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A

June 2, 2025Today's Reading: Acts 1:12-26Daily Lectionary: Numbers 14:26-45; Numbers 15:1-41; Luke 18:35-19:10“So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” (Acts 1:21-22)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.After Judas' betrayal and gruesome death, his spot among the apostles was empty. It didn't take long for the remaining eleven to recognize that this spot needed to be filled. After all, Jesus chose twelve for a reason.I'm sure there were many different qualifications that the remaining eleven considered when the time came to select someone to fill that vacant spot, qualifications like those that St. Paul would later mention in his letters to Timothy and Titus (able to teach, above reproach, respectable, and so on; see 1 Timothy 3 or Titus 1). And yet, Peter points out one qualification that stood out among all the others. The man who would fill Judas' place among the Apostles needed to be an eyewitness of Jesus' ministry. It had to be someone who, like them, saw Jesus be baptized, heard Him preach, watched Him cast out demons and heal diseases, and most importantly, saw Jesus alive after His crucifixion.Why was this so important to Peter? Why couldn't a more recent convert to the faith take Judas' place? To put it briefly, Peter wanted you to know the things you've learned about Jesus, especially His resurrection, actually happened! As Peter would later write, these things are not “cleverly devised myths” (2 Peter 1:16). Those who first shared the Good News and then wrote it down for later generations, like us, saw Jesus do everything that was necessary for our salvation with their own eyes.   And that means that you can be absolutely sure that Jesus has accomplished everything that was needed for your redemption. Whenever the devil, the world, or your own sinful nature tempt you to doubt the things you've learned about Jesus, remember that multitudes of people saw it all happen. Your faith in Christ is not founded on made-up stories or on events that may or may not have happened. Your faith is founded on the historical events of Christ's birth, life, death, and resurrection for sinners.So, you can be certain that Jesus was baptized into your sins, that He died on the cross to pay the penalty for those sins, and that He rose again from the dead, defeating death and assuring you that the Father has accepted His sacrifice on your behalf. And if you can be sure of all that, you can also be sure that you will be raised with Christ to life everlasting.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.We know that Christ is raised and dies no more. Embraced by death, He broke its fearful hold; And our despair He turned to blazing joy. Alleluia! (LSB 603:1)- Rev. Aric Fenske, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church and Trinity Lutheran Church in Bear Creek, WI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Bible study at Trinity Lutheran Church, Murdock, NE (1 June 2025)

Sermon preached at Trinity Lutheran Church, Murdock, NE (1 June 2025). Acts 1:12-26

June 1, 2025Today's Reading: John 17:20-26Daily Lectionary: Numbers 14:1-25; Luke 18:18-34“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.” (John 17:20)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.To me, these are some of the most amazing (and humbling!) words uttered by God in the entire Bible. In what we call the High Priestly Prayer, Jesus prays these words in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night before He dies. And just look at what Jesus is praying for before He goes off to be tortured and die. He prays for “all who believe will believe in Me.” That means He was praying for you!Jesus was about to be betrayed by one of His closest companions and abandoned by the rest. He would be arrested and beaten and face unimaginable physical pain. He was going to bear the weight of every sin from every sinner. He was going to face the terrors of Hell itself as His own Father would forsake Him on the cross. Jesus knew that He had to face all these terrible things in the next few hours, and still, He took the time to think about and pray for you! Wow!And what did Jesus ask the Father on your behalf? He prayed that you would be one with Him along with all the other believers so that you would always be with Him. Jesus wants to be with you always, in this life and in eternity!Have things at home or at school ever been so messed up that you've felt like God has forgotten about you? Have you ever felt so ashamed or guilty about a sin that you've doubted if God could really ever love you? Do you ever wonder how you're going to make it through another day? When these doubts and fears come, just look at this Highly Priestly prayer again! Jesus didn't forget about you, even in His own most desperate hour! And He never ever wants to be apart from you.In fact, Jesus wants to be with you so much that He didn't stop at simply praying for it. He did what was necessary to make it happen. He willingly and gladly suffered, died, and rose again to defeat sin, death, and the devil for you. Then He sent out His apostles and built His Church so that He might come to you today in His Word and with His very Body and Blood to forgive, strengthen, and preserve you in the faith so that you would remain in Him and with Him forever. All this means that you can live (and die) in the confidence that you will always be with Christ, our Lord.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.For us He prayed; for us He taught; For us His daily works He wrought, By words and signs and actions thus Still seeking not Himself but us. (LSB 544:4)- Rev. Aric Fenske, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church and Trinity Lutheran Church in Bear Creek, WI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

May 31, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 1:39-45 (46-56)Daily Lectionary: Numbers 13:1-3, 17-33; Luke 18:1-17“In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb.” (Luke 1:39-41)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.  “With haste.” That means she went quickly. Mary didn't dawdle. She didn't waste her time. She got out of town and went to see her cousin. How long did it take? It was about 90 miles of a journey, so even going at a slow pace, she would have gotten there in a few days of travel. Even if she had taken a few days to pack and prepare for the journey, she would have gotten there about a week after the Angel Gabriel had visited her.So, with the Little Lord Jesus (one week from conception!) in her womb, Mary greets Elizabeth. At the sound of her greeting, St. John (six months from conception) leaps within his mother's womb because he is in the presence of His Lord! How big was Jesus at that time? Well, at four weeks, a baby is about .04 inches and .04 ounces. So, at one week? Not big at all! But there was God in the flesh, and John worships Him. The One who is mighty makes Himself weak. He scatters the proud but lifts the lowly. As He came to the lowly Virgin Mary, He still comes down to us, filling the hungry with His Body and Blood and clothing us with His righteousness. Your Savior is not a Savior who reigns from high above. He is a Savior who comes down to us. He is not a Savior who doesn't understand you or get what it's like to be in your place. Jesus knows you. He knows your pain and your weakness. He knows what it is like to grow up, to learn to read, to get hurt by nature and hurt by people, even close friends. He knows what it's like to be a child in the womb. He knows what it is like to be an infant, a toddler, a teenager. He knows what it's like to die and to rise again.Jesus comes for you. He comes to die that you might live.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Before he yet was born, He leaped in joyful meeting, Confessing Him as Lord Whose mother he was greeting. By Jordan's rolling stream, A new Elijah bold, He testified of Him Of whom the prophets told. (LSB 346:2)- Rev. Daniel Burhop, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Reese, MI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

May 30, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Easter 7 - Psalm 61:3, 5-8; antiphon: Psalm 61:1Daily Lectionary: Numbers 11:24-29; 12:1-16; Luke 17:20-37“So will I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day.” (Psalm 61:8)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.  If you've gone through the Rite of Confirmation, you've made some vows. If you haven't, you're likely preparing to. During the Rite, the Pastor asks: “Do you intend to hear the Word of God and receive the Lord's Supper faithfully? Do you intend to live according to the Word of God and in faith, word, and deed to remain true to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, even to death? Do you intend to continue steadfast in this confession and Church and to suffer all, even death, rather than fall away from it?”  Those are not simple questions. These vows are made to God. Solomon warns us in Ecclesiastes 5:4-6, “When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, ‘My vow was a mistake.'”Vows aren't something to say because someone else wants you to say them. Making vows that you don't intend to keep is a dangerous habit to get into. When you go through the Rite of Confirmation, you vow that you intend to be in church to hear God's Word, that you intend to live your life outside of church according to that Word, and that you will continue in this way to your death, even if someone were to kill you for it!So, what did, or what will you vow? “I do, by the grace of God.” Left on our own, we would fall away at the first sign of discomfort. But you are not on your own. The Lord who comes to you through His Word and Sacraments will continue to strengthen you in your faith as you go through life. This is why we don't want to stop hearing it! If you want to fulfill these vows, don't forget to do what David says, “So will I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day.” As you fulfill that first vow, to hear the Word of God and receive the Lord's Supper faithfully, He will cause you to live according to that Word and to continue in that Word. Listen to Solomon, and do not delay in fulfilling it!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord, I my vows to Thee renew; Disperse my sins as morning dew; Guard my first steps of thought and will And with Thyself my spirit fill. (LSB 868:4)- Rev. Daniel Burhop, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Reese, MI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

May 29, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 24:44-53Daily Lectionary: Numbers 11:1-23, 31-35; Luke 17:1-19“And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven.” (Luke 24:50-51)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Think about those hands. Hands that were knit together in the womb of St. Mary. Hands that pressed up against that womb as they grew. Hands that grasped His mother's finger as she cradled Him in her arms. Hands that held St. Joseph's fingers as He learned to walk. Hands that did chores around the house. Hands that reached out to touch the lepers, the blind, the deaf, and the mute. Hands that reached out to grab Peter as he sank into the water. Hands that stopped a funeral procession in its tracks, touching the coffin of a young man and then taking that young man and giving him back to His mother. Hands that blessed the little children.Hands that overturned the tables in the Temple. Hands that dipped a towel in the water and washed the feet of His disciples that would run away, or, even worse, deny Him that night. Hands that broke bread and said, “Take and eat.” Hands that raised the cup and said, “Take and drink.”Hands that were pierced with nails. Hands that went limp in death. Hands that were laid in a grave. Hands that were shown to the Disciples on Easter Evening and to Thomas the next week.Now, as Jesus ascends into heaven, those nail-scarred hands are raised and lifted in blessing. Those hands were taken into heaven and seated at the Right Hand of the Father. Those hands, hands of the One who is True God and True Man, have a place in heaven.Those same hands now come to you in blessing. They work through the hands of your pastor who baptized you, who forgives, who delivers the Body and Blood of Jesus to you each week, and who raises His hands in blessing and says, “The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord makes His face shine upon you be gracious unto you, the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.”In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Crown Him the Lord of love. Behold His hands and side, Rich wounds, yet visible above, In beauty glorified. No angels in the sky Can fully bear that sight, But downward bend their wond'ring eyes At mysteries so bright. (LSB 525:3)- Rev. Daniel Burhop, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Reese, MI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

May 28, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism: The Lord's Prayer - The Fifth PetitionDaily Lectionary: Numbers 10:11-36; Luke 16:19-31And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.What does this mean? We pray in this petition that our Father in heaven would not look at our sins, or deny our prayer because of them. We are neither worthy of the things for which we pray, nor have we deserved them, but we ask that He would give them all to us by grace, for we daily sin much and surely deserve nothing but punishment. So we too will sincerely forgive and gladly do good to those who sin against us.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.  Why should God give us what we've prayed for? So far in the Lord's Prayer, we've asked for God's Name to be hallowed in our life, His Kingdom to come to us, His will to be done to us, and for all the stuff that the 4th Petition asks for when we ask for daily bread. Why should God give us these things? We're just going to misuse them! Why should God give them to us? We don't deserve them.You don't give a perfectly cooked steak to a toddler. They won't appreciate it! You don't give a brand-new car to a 16-year-old. They'll just misuse it! You don't give a raise to the worker who takes extra long breaks and is always on their phones. He doesn't deserve it!So why do we think God will give us what we ask for? We'll just misuse His name as we don't live Holy lives according to it. We won't appreciate the gifts of His Kingdom. We don't deserve His Will to be done in our lives. So, why would God give them to us?“For the sake of Jesus Christ…”  When we come before God each week, we ask for forgiveness. We don't say, “I'll try harder.” We don't say, “I did better this week.” We say, “for the sake of Christ.” And the Lord hears that prayer and gives us what we don't deserve or appreciate fully and what we will just misuse.  Just as God deals with us, we can deal with others. Why should we forgive the friend who sins against us? Why should we help our brother who didn't help us? Why should we give things to others? Because God has looked past our sin and given us what we need and more. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Forgive our sins, Lord, we implore, That they may trouble us no more; We too, will gladly those forgive Who hurt us by the way they live. Help us in our community To serve each other willingly. (LSB 766:6)- Rev. Daniel Burhop, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Reese, MI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Omri, the commander of Israel's army, came out on top when the dust settled after Zimri's death. Although Omri established Samaria and brought Israel to greater political prominence during his reign, the writer of 1 Kings judges Omri as an unfaithful king whose wickedness before the LORD is the worst so far. Omri didn't remain on that pedestal for long, as his son Ahab was more wicked still, influenced by his pagan wife Jezebel. Nonetheless, the LORD remained faithful to Israel in those days and sent Elijah as one of His greatest prophets. Elijah's ministry began by predicting a drought as judgment against Israel's wickedness, even as the LORD provided for Elijah during that time of no rain.  Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 16:21-17:7.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitylcmsvinton.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

May 27, 2025Today's Reading: Revelation 21:9-14, 21-27Daily Lectionary: Numbers 9:1-23; Luke 16:1-18“And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there.” (Revelation 21:23-25)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. “Katy, bar the door!”Where does that phrase come from? No one really knows. If you want, you can try to follow that rabbit hole, but it's probably not worth it. It is fun to say, though: “Katy, bar the door!”  What does it mean? Danger is coming! Shut the gates! Lock the doors! Doom is impending!Why do we shut gates? To keep the bad things out! The gates are shut at night when darkness rules. We batten down the hatches on the ship when the storm is coming. We tie down the tent when the wind picks up. We secure things so they aren't destroyed. We shut and lock the gates at night to keep the cold, the dark, and the scary things out. But the gates will not need to be shut any longer. That's what St. John tells us as he sees a picture of the New Creation. There, he sees a city with wide open gates that will never be shut because “there will be no night there.” No night, no darkness, no cold, no scary things. “Death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)  The former things have passed away. They are gone. That's the promise. That's why Jesus died. That's why Jesus was raised. That's why Jesus ascended. That's why Jesus will come again.The hatches won't need to be battened down. Katy won't need to bar the door! The gates will be open. Sin, death, and the devil will no longer be a threat. Doesn't that sound wonderful? No darkness that will cause us to stumble when we walk. No terrors of the night. No devil prowling around like a lion seeking to devour. No sin crouching at our door.  Alleluia! Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Wide Open Stand the gates adorned with pearl, While round God's golden throne The choirs of saints in endless circles curl, And joyous praise the Son! They watch Him now descending To visit waiting earth. The Lord of Life unending Brings dying hope new birth! (LSB 639:1)- Rev. Daniel Burhop, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Reese, MI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

As 1 Kings records the reigns of four kings of whose rule began during the reign of King Asa of Judah, the situation only grows worse and worse. Nadab, son of Jeroboam, only reigns for two years before Baasha comes and kills the whole house of Jeroboam, in fulfillment of the Word of the LORD. Baasha's reign over Israel is longer, but his unfaithfulness leads to his family's destruction by the Word of the LORD. That word is fulfilled when Elah, the son of Baasha, is killed along with the rest of his family by Zimri. Zimri's reign is only seven days long, a reminder of the chaos that holds sway in Israel due to the way the people hold onto the idolatry Jeroboam instituted.  Rev. David Vandercook, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in North Little Rock, AR and Shepherd of Peace Lutheran Church in Maumelle, AR, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 15:25-16:20.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitynlr.com. To learn more about Shepherd of Peace Lutheran, visit shepeace.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

May 26, 2025Today's Reading: Acts 16:9-15Daily Lectionary: Numbers 8:5-26; Luke 15:11-32“One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.” (Acts 16:16)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Have you ever been locked out? Maybe you left the keys in your car, pressed the button on the door, and then shut it, immediately having panic spread from your head to your heart. Perhaps you came home earlier than expected, and no one was home to let you in. Perhaps you arrived at work and realized you had left your keys back at home. What do you do?You look for a way to break in! Maybe someone left a window down or the back door unlocked. Or, you keep pulling the same locked door handle, foolishly thinking that it will open up this time. It doesn't work. What you need is the thing you do not have: the key.Lydia's heart was closed. The Lord had the key. “The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.” What did she hear? She heard about Jesus and His death and resurrection. She heard about the Gift of Baptism. She heard about how her sins were forgiven and how Jesus had broken down the gates of Hell to rescue those like her who were held captive.   We are at the end of the Easter Season and the Festival Half of the Church Year. Way back in Advent, at the start of the year, we prayed: “O Key of David and scepter of the house of Israel, You open and no one can close, You close and no one can open: Come and rescue the prisoners who are in darkness and the shadow of death” (O Antiphon for December 20th). Jesus heard your prayer.He has opened your ears, heart, and mind to hear and pay attention to His Word. When you were baptized, Jesus broke open your sin-locked heart and caused you to have faith in His promise. When He comes again, He will open up your grave on the Day of Resurrection.Locks can't keep Jesus out. He appeared to the Disciples in the Upper Room on Easter Evening, even though the doors were locked. He is in, with, and under the bread and the wine, with His very Body and Blood, given and shed for you for the forgiveness of your sins.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord, open now my heart to hear, And through Your Word to me draw near; Let me Your Word e'er pure retain; Let me Your child and heir remain. (LSB 908:1)- Rev. Daniel Burhop, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Reese, MI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Bible Study at Trinity Lutheran Church, Murdock, NE (25 May 2025)

Sermon preached at Trinity Lutheran Church, Murdock, NE (25 May 2025). John 16:33

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.

Sermon preached at Trinity Lutheran Church, Murdock, NE (18 May 2025). Text: John 13:32-35.

Bible study at Trinity Lutheran Church, Murdock, NE (18 May 2025).

The details given about Solomon's palace in Jerusalem indicate its splendor, yet the brevity of the text compared to the details of the temple remind us that the LORD's house is the one that matters. The craftsmanship described concerning the pillars, the sea, and the basins is quite intricate, as the LORD equipped Hiram the craftsman for the task. Each of the details describes not only the functionality of the temple but points to the purpose of the LORD coming to His people with His forgiveness.  Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Atchison, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 7:1-51.  "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

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.