Podcasts about Trinity Lutheran Church

The Big Picture | Rev. 7:9–17 | A Great Multitude from Every Nation All Saints' Day calls us to see “the big picture” of what God is building—a communion of saints gathered forever around the Lamb. Like the builders of the great Cathedral of Chartres, who labored their whole lives without seeing the completed church, Christians often see only a small part of God's grand design. Yet faith looks beyond the dust and struggle to the finished work of Christ. John's vision in Revelation 7 shows a great multitude from every nation standing before the throne—those who have come out of great tribulation and been washed in the blood of the Lamb. These saints did not live easy lives, but through faith in Christ they now rest in His peace. The Beatitudes remind us that true blessing is not found in worldly comfort or success, but in belonging to Jesus, even amid suffering. The hymn For All the Saints proclaims this comfort: the saints are not gone, but at home with the Lord, awaiting the resurrection. The goal of faith is not a “blessed life,” but a blessed death—dying in Christ's forgiveness and rising to everlasting life. Through Baptism, Absolution, and the Holy Supper, we are already joined to that victory. Here on earth, the Church militant struggles, but it is never alone. At the altar, heaven and earth meet; the saints and angels worship with us in one eternal song: “This is the feast of victory for our God!” Like Michelangelo painting the Sistine Chapel, we see only pieces of the picture now. But when Christ returns and the scaffolding of this world falls away, we will see the masterpiece complete—the redemption of all God's people. Then we, too, will join the countless host singing, “Alleluia, Alleluia!” ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- 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 #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

The Big Picture | Rev. 7:9–17 | A Great Multitude from Every Nation All Saints' Day calls us to see “the big picture” of what God is building—a communion of saints gathered forever around the Lamb. Like the builders of the great Cathedral of Chartres, who labored their whole lives without seeing the completed church, Christians often see only a small part of God's grand design. Yet faith looks beyond the dust and struggle to the finished work of Christ. John's vision in Revelation 7 shows a great multitude from every nation standing before the throne—those who have come out of great tribulation and been washed in the blood of the Lamb. These saints did not live easy lives, but through faith in Christ they now rest in His peace. The Beatitudes remind us that true blessing is not found in worldly comfort or success, but in belonging to Jesus, even amid suffering. The hymn For All the Saints proclaims this comfort: the saints are not gone, but at home with the Lord, awaiting the resurrection. The goal of faith is not a “blessed life,” but a blessed death—dying in Christ's forgiveness and rising to everlasting life. Through Baptism, Absolution, and the Holy Supper, we are already joined to that victory. Here on earth, the Church militant struggles, but it is never alone. At the altar, heaven and earth meet; the saints and angels worship with us in one eternal song: “This is the feast of victory for our God!” Like Michelangelo painting the Sistine Chapel, we see only pieces of the picture now. But when Christ returns and the scaffolding of this world falls away, we will see the masterpiece complete—the redemption of all God's people. Then we, too, will join the countless host singing, “Alleluia, Alleluia!” ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- 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 #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

The Big Picture | Rev. 7:9–17 | A Great Multitude from Every Nation All Saints' Day calls us to see “the big picture” of what God is building—a communion of saints gathered forever around the Lamb. Like the builders of the great Cathedral of Chartres, who labored their whole lives without seeing the completed church, Christians often see only a small part of God's grand design. Yet faith looks beyond the dust and struggle to the finished work of Christ. John's vision in Revelation 7 shows a great multitude from every nation standing before the throne—those who have come out of great tribulation and been washed in the blood of the Lamb. These saints did not live easy lives, but through faith in Christ they now rest in His peace. The Beatitudes remind us that true blessing is not found in worldly comfort or success, but in belonging to Jesus, even amid suffering. The hymn For All the Saints proclaims this comfort: the saints are not gone, but at home with the Lord, awaiting the resurrection. The goal of faith is not a “blessed life,” but a blessed death—dying in Christ's forgiveness and rising to everlasting life. Through Baptism, Absolution, and the Holy Supper, we are already joined to that victory. Here on earth, the Church militant struggles, but it is never alone. At the altar, heaven and earth meet; the saints and angels worship with us in one eternal song: “This is the feast of victory for our God!” Like Michelangelo painting the Sistine Chapel, we see only pieces of the picture now. But when Christ returns and the scaffolding of this world falls away, we will see the masterpiece complete—the redemption of all God's people. Then we, too, will join the countless host singing, “Alleluia, Alleluia!” ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- 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 #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

November 1, 2025Today's Reading: Matthew 5:1-12Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Matthew 21:1-22“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Imagine the disciples and the huge crowd gathered around Jesus for the Sermon on the Mount. They nod to each of the Beatitudes, maybe with a little less boldness as Jesus continues. Perhaps they even look around to see how the other 11 are reacting. “Maybe I'm not perfect, but I've been pretty good at this one or that.” “I think I'm good enough; I don't talk without thinking. Like Peter.” “I think I'm good enough; at least I haven't cheated people in the past, like Matthew.” But Jesus isn't talking about being good enough in other people's eyes, He is speaking of holiness before God – pure in heart – a holiness in the heart.The thing is, there is nothing pure in your heart. The Lord declares, “Out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery,  coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.” (Mark 7:21-22)  There is One who is pure in heart. Jesus Christ, our Holy God in the flesh – He alone is truly pure in heart. At your Baptism, in the Blessed Exchange, the Lord cleansed you entirely, taking all of the filth and wretchedness from your heart and trading it for all the righteousness, holiness, and purity of Jesus' heart!That Baptism was “not just plain water, but it is the water included in God's command and combined with God's word.” (Small Catechism, Baptism, 1). So with God's Word, that water delivered Jesus and His forgiveness, rescue, and salvation. You were made blessed and holy by the Holy Spirit. There is daily war against the new creature – the saint that God made at your Baptism. You face horrible hardships all of the time; some of them known only to you in the recesses of your emotional health. Non-Christians harass the Church and her baptized saints. We are weak when facing temptations. We all have our great afflictions. Before Christ returns, the afflictions will increase.You are not good enough. But Christ is perfect and pure. And He gifts you with being pure in heart, holy, and blessed. You belong to Him as His baptized saint. You sing with those saints now in the Church Militant, and one day, Christ will resurrect you and gather you with all His saints to stand before Him, arrayed in white, washed in the Blood of Jesus, and singing His praises forever.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Behold a host, arrayed in white, Like thousand snow-clad mountains bright! With palms they stand; Who is this band Before the throne of light? These are the saints of glorious fame, Who from the great affliction came And in the flood Of Jesus' blood Are cleansed from guilt and shame. They now serve God both day and night; They sing their songs in endless light. Their anthems ring As they all sing With angels shining bright. (LSB 676:1)Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lowell, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 31, 2025Today's Reading: Matthew 11:12-19Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 32:28-52; Deuteronomy 33:1-29; Matthew 20:17-34“From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence” (Matthew 11:12)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. “Lord, I thank you that I am not like other church bodies: Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, the Baptists…” Sound familiar? Just a few days ago, we heard Jesus tell us about the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. The sinful pride of the Pharisee clouded his thoughts on all things spiritual, and he ended up thinking he was doing a good job being righteous.It's easy for Lutherans to fall into that same trap around this time each year. In some strange twist of irony, as we talk about not focusing on our works, we champion our “saved by grace through faith” as if it's something we think and do. We end up turning belief into a work! And as if that wasn't bad enough, we convince ourselves that this work of belief is superior to our Roman friends' works adding to their faith.  Guess what?! BOTH of those ideas miss the mark. The kingdom of heaven suffers violence when you consider faith something you have done. The kingdom of heaven suffers violence when one thinks that her works are needed to join with faith to make one right with God. The kingdom of heaven suffers violence any time when one Christian takes pride that he is better than another.Having been warned against pride, and knowing that sometimes we are the ones inflicting violence, we also take comfort from Jesus today. The Comforter of Priceless Worth has brought you to repentance and delivered the unlimited forgiveness of the Lord to you. You are made right with God by His divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in you.Our dear Savior does forewarn that the Church will indeed suffer. Christ Our Mighty Fortress does not promise to shield you from every persecution, hardship, or violence against His kingdom. He will not necessarily let you avoid the attacks. But He will be with you throughout them, always. Sometimes He will prevent or diffuse the violence. At other times, the comfort simply is that He endures it with us.Your dear Christ Himself is the kingdom of heaven in the flesh, and He suffered violence for you. Our Great Captain bared His arms, as He was stripped and nailed to the cross. Our prayer for deliverance from evil was answered as He endured the thorns, nails, and so much more, to pay the price for any violence that you have inflicted. And He supports and carries you through any violence that you endure until He returns for you, when we, with all His saints and martyrs, will raise a mighty chorus to His praise forevermore.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Amen, Lord Jesus, grant our prayer; Great Captain, now Thine arm make bare, Fight for us once again! So shall Thy saints and martyrs raise, A mighty chorus to Thy praise Forevermore. Amen. (LSB 666:4)Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lowell, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 30, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 21 - Psalm 50:1-2, 14-15; antiphon: Psalm 50:23Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 31:30-32:27; Matthew 20:1-16“The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; the one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!” (Psalm 50:23)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. You know our situation. As human beings, we are conceived and born sinful; there is no good in us to do anything right. None of us could ever offer thanksgiving that is perfect in God's eyes. No one could sacrifice anything that would glorify God. How could we ever be shown the salvation of God?! How can this verse from the upcoming introit make sense?Jesus continued giving perfect thanks to the Father, sacrificing himself once and for all on the cross. That was the greatest moment of God's glory, showing His ultimate mercy to all in the suffering and death of Christ crucified. Look to the crucifix. See Jesus in all His glory, pouring out God's mercy on you. In that sacrifice of His that glorifies God, you are made His. There you are shown (and given) the salvation of God!While Christ's giving thanks perfectly showed God's glory in giving mercy for all, He still delivers the benefits and blessings of that thanksgiving. “Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks…” “In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks…” In the Last Supper, Jesus gives thanks to His Father in heaven. The Church picked up on that detail and has often used a name for the Lord's Supper: the Holy Eucharist. Eucharist is simply a Greek word for “Thanksgiving.”But here is the awesome thing: the Last Supper was not about the disciples giving thanks; Jesus gave thanks! The Eucharist today is not about you and me giving thanks, or even your pastor. It is Jesus giving perfect thanks on your behalf!The salvation of God was purchased and won for you at the cross. Now, the salvation of God is delivered to you through Baptism, Absolution, the proclamation of the Gospel, and through the Holy Eucharist! At His altar, Christ once again offers thanksgiving as His sacrifice, and that glorifies God. The Lord feeds you His body and pours His blood into your mouth, showing (and nourishing you with!) the salvation of God!Dear Baptized friends, your Jesus eucharists for you! And your Jesus IS the Eucharist for you, feeding you the salvation of God with His Body and Blood.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Praise we Him, whose love divine Gives His sacred blood for wine, Gives His body for the feast – Christ the victim, Christ the priest. Alleluia! (LSB 633:2) Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lowell, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 29, 2025Today's Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 31:1-29; Matthew 19:16-30“No one came to stand by me, but all deserted me… But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed.” (2 Timothy 4:16,17)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Even St. Paul felt isolated at times. While standing in court, defending the faith, where were his friends, other pastors, and Christians whom the Holy Spirit brought to faith through his preaching? Anyone who could have been supporting was scattered like the apostles on Holy Thursday. Satan and his minions wanted Paul to feel alone, overwhelmed, cut off from Christ and His Church. Then maybe Paul would lose his strength and will to preach Christ crucified.The devil also wants you to feel isolated. All alone. “Divide and conquer,” the saying goes, and that tends to be the demonic method.Maybe it feels like your friends have deserted you, that they are all having a good time without you while you are stuck home that weekend. Or you are the only one in your class who actually respected the teacher and did the work she assigned. Maybe you are the only one around who is actually remaining chaste and not giving in to the constant daily sexual temptations. You feel alone. No one came to stand by me, but all deserted me.St. Paul reminds you here that all is not lost. Even though he had no other human comfort at that time, he was not alone. But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me. Christ comforted him throughout this trial and hardship. The Lord gave him peace throughout the persecution, with the sure and certain hope of the resurrection that got him through it all.You are not alone either. The Lord blesses you with His comforting and encouraging presence. You are His beyond the shadow of a doubt through Holy Baptism, which bound you to Christ in a way that He will never abandon you. He speaks His Word to you by reading and proclaiming His Scriptures to you. And He nourishes you with His own Body and Blood, so that He dwells inside you!So let the devil rage all he wants. He can taunt and criticize, and suggest doubts to you. But he cannot cut you off from God. Christ will never desert you. You belong to the Lord! The Lord stands by you and strengthens you!  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Satan, I defy thee; Death I now decry thee; Fear, I bid thee cease. World, thou shalt not harm me Nor thy threats alarm me While I sing of peace. God's great power Guards every hour; Earth and all its depths adore Him, Silent bow before Him. (LSB 743:3)Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lowell, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 28, 2025Today's Reading: John 15:(12-16) 17-21Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 30:1-20; Matthew 19:1-15“I chose you out of the world.” (John 15:19)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. As we remember the Apostles of our Lord throughout the year, we might feel sorry for a few of them. Poor Simon “the Zealot” and Jude (a.k.a. Judas, or Thaddeus). They are some of the more obscure of Jesus' disciples. They definitely don't get the attention of Peter, James, and John. They don't even get the word count for Saint Andrew or Saint Nathanael Bartholomew. We don't know a single word that Simon actually spoke, and only one question from St. Jude is recorded. We practically know nothing except their names. In the Gospels, Jude is almost always mentioned by the name Judas, but every instance of that includes “NOT ISCARIOT.” Imagine your greatest claim to fame being that you were NOT the guy with the same name who betrayed Jesus. And then poor Simon, he might as well always have the moniker “NOT PETER.”Yet there is one thing certain, that we can celebrate; Jesus chose them to be His apostles. They were not picked because they were the most quoteworthy, eloquent speakers. They were not selected because they had the right experience, or talents, or pedigree. Simon was not chosen because of his zealot politics, nor Jude for being “not Iscariot.” Saints Simon and Jude were chosen, by the grace of God, in His mercy, to be the simple, often-forgotten human hands, feet, and voices of Christ.That love of Christ encouraged them as they carried His Gospel as His disciples, missionaries, pastors, and apostles. They preached the Word of the Lord and baptized. They forgave sins and fed the Church Christ's Eucharist. And so we end up with two contrasts: the love of Jesus and the hatred of the world.Saints Simon (not Peter) and Jude (not Iscariot) were prepared by Jesus for the hatred of the world. The world hated Him first, and would hate them. Eventually, they suffered death at the hands of those who hated them and Jesus. These faithful Apostles are said to have been martyred at the same time, Simon (not Peter) sawn in half, while many say that Jude (not Iscariot) was beaten to death with a club.Even through the violent end to their time on earth, Jesus's love sustained them through the world's hatred. Our dear Lord knows these saints infinitely more than just their names: Simon, “Not Peter,” and Jude, “Not Iscariot.” He preserved them in the one, true faith at their martyrdom and welcomed them into His presence, where they now await the resurrection with the Risen Savior who chose them and loves them completely.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Praise, Lord, for Your apostles, Saint Simon and Saint Jude. One love, one hope impelled them To tread the way renewed. May we with zeal as earnest The faith of Christ maintain, Be bound in love together, And life eternal gain. (LSB 518:28)Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lowell, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

Fear is everywhere—war, disaster, division, disease, loss. But the greatest fear is living without God, because without Him, every other fear is final. Psalm 46 proclaims, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Martin Luther knew fear well. He once trembled before God's judgment, trying to earn His favor. But when he discovered the Gospel in Romans 3—“all have sinned and are justified by His grace as a gift”—his fear turned to faith. The God who could condemn instead gives Himself to save. That's the heart of the Reformation: God doesn't just give blessings; He gives Himself—Christ crucified and risen for you. Through Word and Sacrament, this same Christ gives Himself still. In Baptism He claims you. In Absolution He forgives you. In the Supper He feeds you with His own Body and Blood. In the Divine Service, God serves His people, driving out fear and filling hearts with peace. The angel's cry in Revelation 14—“Fear God and give Him glory”—is not a threat but comfort. It announces the fall of Satan and the victory of the Lamb. True worship is not what we do for God, but what we receive from Him in faith. Luther's hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God confesses the same truth: the devil rages, the world trembles, but Christ's Word stands firm. Because Jesus has conquered death, we are free—free to live without fear. So when the world shakes, when judgment seems near, you can say with confidence: “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” No fear. Just faith. Just Jesus. ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- 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 #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Fear is everywhere—war, disaster, division, disease, loss. But the greatest fear is living without God, because without Him, every other fear is final. Psalm 46 proclaims, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Martin Luther knew fear well. He once trembled before God's judgment, trying to earn His favor. But when he discovered the Gospel in Romans 3—“all have sinned and are justified by His grace as a gift”—his fear turned to faith. The God who could condemn instead gives Himself to save. That's the heart of the Reformation: God doesn't just give blessings; He gives Himself—Christ crucified and risen for you. Through Word and Sacrament, this same Christ gives Himself still. In Baptism He claims you. In Absolution He forgives you. In the Supper He feeds you with His own Body and Blood. In the Divine Service, God serves His people, driving out fear and filling hearts with peace. The angel's cry in Revelation 14—“Fear God and give Him glory”—is not a threat but comfort. It announces the fall of Satan and the victory of the Lamb. True worship is not what we do for God, but what we receive from Him in faith. Luther's hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God confesses the same truth: the devil rages, the world trembles, but Christ's Word stands firm. Because Jesus has conquered death, we are free—free to live without fear. So when the world shakes, when judgment seems near, you can say with confidence: “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” No fear. Just faith. Just Jesus. ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- 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 #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

October 27, 2025Today's Reading: Genesis 4:1-15Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 29:1-29; Matthew 18:21-35“And the Lord put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him.” (Genesis 4:15)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?” (Genesis 4:9)  Even after his heinous act is done, Cain does not appear repentant at all. He has committed the first murder and shrugs it off. “Not my problem.” What is behind all of this? Jealousy…and a lack of faith. That's at the heart of this all. That is the reason that Cain's sacrifice was not acceptable to God. Yes, Abel sacrificed a lamb and shed its innocent blood, and Cain some of his crops. But Cain was going through the motions without “fear, love, and trust in God above all things.” While Abel believed the Lord and participated in this liturgy of sacrifice, Cain apparently was doing something Mom and Dad told him he should do, and not really believing in the Lord who acts in His liturgy.Cain then attacked his brother and shed his innocent blood. The first murder in history. The first recorded death. No earthly eyes witnessed this horror, but it was not hidden from the Lord God.God calls Cain out. “The voice of your brother's blood is crying to me from the ground.”  He lets him know that he hasn't gotten away with it. And even without witnesses, Cain knows that others will want justice, or even revenge. He fears capital punishment, so the Lord marks Cain. We don't know how, but in some way, God makes it known that no one is to lay a hand on him. He is guilty, but freed from his punishment.You are like Cain. You daily commit sins which no earthly eyes witness, yet they are not hidden from the Lord God. You have moments of participating in liturgy simply because Mom and Dad told you that you should, and not because you “fear, love, and trust in God above all things.” Although you are guilty, you are freed from punishment.The Lord put a mark on you, too! And not just a mark to prevent others from executing you to punish your crimes. At His holy font, the Lord God called you, and marked you “with the sign of the holy cross both upon your forehead and upon your heart, marking you as one redeemed by Christ the crucified.” Then He marked you permanently with the washing of water and the Word, granting you forgiveness, rescue, and salvation. You are not just marked safe from punishment; you are given full pardon and made righteous!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Abel's blood for vengeance Pleaded to the skies; But the blood of Jesus For our pardon cries. Lift we, then, our voices, Swell the mighty flood; Louder still and louder Praise the precious blood! (LSB 433:4,6)Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lowell, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

Bible Study at Trinity Lutheran Church, Murdock, NE (26 October 2025).

Sermon preached at Trinity Lutheran Church, Murdock, NE (26 October 2025). Text: John 8:31-36

October 26, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 18:9-17Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 28:1-22; Matthew 18:1-20“But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other.” (Luke 18:13-14a)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. “Great sermon, Pastor, THEY really needed to hear that!” When your pastor hears something like that, his heart sinks, and he knows he did not communicate well. No one should ever listen to a sermon and think it's Law was for everyone else.“Boy, I'm sure glad I'm not some self-righteous Pharisee, looking down on other people!” Can you hear the irony in that? We cannot read this passage and have pride regarding our penitence, as if we can see that judgy Pharisee and celebrate that we aren't him. When we do that, we are exactly what he was. Same sin. Same absence of repentance.In this parable, Jesus is not giving you an example to follow. It is not that the Tax Collector did the right thing and God rewarded him.The Holy Spirit moved this man's heart to repentance. He convicted him of his sin and made his wretchedness abundantly clear. Having brought him to repent, the Spirit delivered forgiveness, life, and salvation. The man was justified—made right with God!  The Holy Spirit sat you in the pew this morning, not because you were any better than the others who were there, not even because you were any better than the people who were absent and skipping church. He brought you there to be convicted of your sin. He placed you in that pew to hear the Word of the Lord read and preached, placing that mercy in your ears. He brought you up to that rail to receive the Holy Eucharist, and have Jesus Christ's Body and Blood placed inside of you, to fill you with God's mercy and change you from within.Our dear Lord gathered you with a church full of “tax collectors” who, with you, desperately need Jesus and His mercy. When all was said and done, after the Gifts of Christ were freely given, the benediction was spoken or chanted, a hymn was sung, and you went to your house justified. Indeed, God is merciful to you and me, sinners!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty and everlasting God, You are always more ready to hear than we to pray and always ready to give more than we either desire or deserve. Pour down on us the abundance of Your mercy; forgive us those things of which our conscience is afraid; and give us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask except by the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lowell, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

Fear is everywhere—war, disaster, division, disease, loss. But the greatest fear is living without God, because without Him, every other fear is final. Psalm 46 proclaims, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Martin Luther knew fear well. He once trembled before God's judgment, trying to earn His favor. But when he discovered the Gospel in Romans 3—“all have sinned and are justified by His grace as a gift”—his fear turned to faith. The God who could condemn instead gives Himself to save. That's the heart of the Reformation: God doesn't just give blessings; He gives Himself—Christ crucified and risen for you. Through Word and Sacrament, this same Christ gives Himself still. In Baptism He claims you. In Absolution He forgives you. In the Supper He feeds you with His own Body and Blood. In the Divine Service, God serves His people, driving out fear and filling hearts with peace. The angel's cry in Revelation 14—“Fear God and give Him glory”—is not a threat but comfort. It announces the fall of Satan and the victory of the Lamb. True worship is not what we do for God, but what we receive from Him in faith. Luther's hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God confesses the same truth: the devil rages, the world trembles, but Christ's Word stands firm. Because Jesus has conquered death, we are free—free to live without fear. So when the world shakes, when judgment seems near, you can say with confidence: “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” No fear. Just faith. Just Jesus. ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- 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 #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

St. Paul encourages the Philippians to live in light of the Gospel of Christ. That Gospel unites Christians together in one spirit and one mind so that there is no need to fear those who oppose them. For that reason, Christians are free to place the needs of others ahead of their own, living in what Christ has done for them.  Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Philippians 1:27-2:4.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitymillstadt.org. “Letters from Prison” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Even when Paul was imprisoned for the sake of Christ, the Word of God remained unbound. The apostle's letters from prison still fill us with the same joy that his chains could never silence. 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

When Jesus heals a demon-possessed man, the Pharisees accuse Him of working for Satan. This is a willful rejection of the Holy Spirit's testimony about the Son. Jesus warns that this unpardonable sin is the final, hardened refusal to see God's saving work in Christ. He then reveals that His true family is not defined by blood but is created by God through faith in Him.  The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Matthew 12:22-50.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitylutheranministries.org. The Gospel of Matthew bridges Old and New Testaments, presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah who fulfills the Law we could never keep and establishes His kingdom of grace for all nations. Written by a tax collector transformed by pure grace, Matthew reveals Christ as the true Son of David and Emmanuel (God with us) who challenges us with the crushing demands of the Law in His Sermon on the Mount to the sweet comfort of the Gospel in His death and resurrection. From royal genealogy to glorious resurrection, this verse-by-verse study proclaims the One who conquered sin, death, and the devil for us, now delivering forgiveness, life, and salvation through Word and Sacrament as He remains with His church always, even to the end of the age.  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 apostle Paul charges Timothy: “Preach the Word.” These are not casual words—they are commands. Timothy was under orders, and so are your pastors today. The pastor's duty is not to invent new ideas or follow the latest trends, but to proclaim the promise that Jesus is the Savior of sinners. Pastors discharge their calling when they baptize and absolve, when they feed sinners with Christ's body and blood according to His own words and command. These are not their words—they are the Lord's. These are not their gifts—they are the Lord's gifts, given through them. We are not saved by looking within, but by receiving what comes from outside of us: the preached Word, the water, the bread, and the wine. Through these, the Lord gives His forgiveness, life, and peace. Pastors are under orders to deliver what Christ has already accomplished—for you. You can trust the Word your pastors preach because it's from the Lord Himself. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- 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 #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

The apostle Paul charges Timothy: “Preach the Word.” These are not casual words—they are commands. Timothy was under orders, and so are your pastors today. The pastor's duty is not to invent new ideas or follow the latest trends, but to proclaim the promise that Jesus is the Savior of sinners. Pastors discharge their calling when they baptize and absolve, when they feed sinners with Christ's body and blood according to His own words and command. These are not their words—they are the Lord's. These are not their gifts—they are the Lord's gifts, given through them. We are not saved by looking within, but by receiving what comes from outside of us: the preached Word, the water, the bread, and the wine. Through these, the Lord gives His forgiveness, life, and peace. Pastors are under orders to deliver what Christ has already accomplished—for you. You can trust the Word your pastors preach because it's from the Lord Himself. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- 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 #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Semon preached at Trinity Lutheran Church, Murdock, NE (19 October 2025). Text: Luke 18:1-8

Bible study at Trinity Lutheran Church, Murdock, NE (19 October 2025).

The apostle Paul charges Timothy: “Preach the Word.” These are not casual words—they are commands. Timothy was under orders, and so are your pastors today. The pastor's duty is not to invent new ideas or follow the latest trends, but to proclaim the promise that Jesus is the Savior of sinners. Pastors discharge their calling when they baptize and absolve, when they feed sinners with Christ's body and blood according to His own words and command. These are not their words—they are the Lord's. These are not their gifts—they are the Lord's gifts, given through them. We are not saved by looking within, but by receiving what comes from outside of us: the preached Word, the water, the bread, and the wine. Through these, the Lord gives His forgiveness, life, and peace. Pastors are under orders to deliver what Christ has already accomplished—for you. You can trust the Word your pastors preach because it's from the Lord Himself. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- 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 #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

What happens when even the most certain faith is shaken by doubt? John the Baptizer, the forerunner of Christ who boldly proclaimed the coming of the Lamb of God, now sits in a cold prison cell. From the darkness of his dungeon, he sends his disciples to Jesus with a desperate, soul-searching question: "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?" Is this John experiencing doubt? A crisis of faith? Or is this an object lesson for his own disciples? Opinions vary. In this episode, we dive into Jesus' compassionate and powerful response.  The Rev. Mark Duerr, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Monroe, MI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Matthew 11.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit www.tlcmonroe.org. The Gospel of Matthew bridges Old and New Testaments, presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah who fulfills the Law we could never keep and establishes His kingdom of grace for all nations. Written by a tax collector transformed by pure grace, Matthew reveals Christ as the true Son of David and Emmanuel (God with us) who challenges us with the crushing demands of the Law in His Sermon on the Mount to the sweet comfort of the Gospel in His death and resurrection. From royal genealogy to glorious resurrection, this verse-by-verse study proclaims the One who conquered sin, death, and the devil for us, now delivering forgiveness, life, and salvation through Word and Sacrament as He remains with His church always, even to the end of the age.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

We all want peace with others, especially family. At Thanksgiving, we avoid certain topics. We bite our tongues during arguments. We compromise our witness, don't we? In this section, Jesus walks in and says something shocking: "I have not come to bring peace, but a sword." He doubles down, too, saying His Gospel will divide father and son, mother and daughter. What could possibly be so important, so vital to our survival, that it would demand loyalty even greater than the love we have for our own family? Jesus is drawing a line in the sand and forcing us to ask where our true allegiance lies.  The Rev. David Mumme, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Waterville, MN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Matthew 10:26-42.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitywaterville.org. The Gospel of Matthew bridges Old and New Testaments, presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah who fulfills the Law we could never keep and establishes His kingdom of grace for all nations. Written by a tax collector transformed by pure grace, Matthew reveals Christ as the true Son of David and Emmanuel (God with us) who challenges us with the crushing demands of the Law in His Sermon on the Mount to the sweet comfort of the Gospel in His death and resurrection. From royal genealogy to glorious resurrection, this verse-by-verse study proclaims the One who conquered sin, death, and the devil for us, now delivering forgiveness, life, and salvation through Word and Sacrament as He remains with His church always, even to the end of the age.  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 bride's sloth in answering her husband's knock provides a picture of the Church when she ignores the Lord's Word. Our heavenly Bridegroom uses His Law for the sake of love in order to draw His bride back to Himself. When others question the goodness of the Bridegroom, the Church recalls with joy who her Lord is, leading others to seek Him as well. The husband's joy in his bride in Song of Solomon shows the Lord's great delight over His Church.  Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Song of Solomon 5:2-6:10.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitylutheranottumwa.com. “God's Gift of Marriage” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies the Song of Solomon and other key texts from the Bible concerning marriage. Although the world is terribly confused concerning what marriage is, God's Word reveals how good a gift marriage truly is and points us to the relationship between Christ, the Bridegroom, and His Church, the Bride.  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

In this episode, Matthew bears witness to the many ways Jesus reveals Himself as God. Jesus calms a storm that leaves even seasoned fishermen terrified. He confronts a legion of demons in Gentile territory and is then begged to leave by the frightened locals. Returning home, Jesus heals a paralyzed man in full view of skeptical religious leaders, demonstrating His authority to forgive sins. Finally, we hear how Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, into discipleship. Jesus shares a meal with Matthew and his friends—sinners in the eyes of the religious elite—provoking questions about who truly belongs at God's table and just who this Jesus is.  The Rev. David Hinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sauk Rapids, MN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Matthew 8:23-9:13.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitysr.org. The Gospel of Matthew bridges Old and New Testaments, presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah who fulfills the Law we could never keep and establishes His kingdom of grace for all nations. Written by a tax collector transformed by pure grace, Matthew reveals Christ as the true Son of David and Emmanuel (God with us) who challenges us with the crushing demands of the Law in His Sermon on the Mount to the sweet comfort of the Gospel in His death and resurrection. From royal genealogy to glorious resurrection, this verse-by-verse study proclaims the One who conquered sin, death, and the devil for us, now delivering forgiveness, life, and salvation through Word and Sacrament as He remains with His church always, even to the end of the age.  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.

Ten men were healed that day—but only one turned back. The Samaritan leper fell at Jesus' feet in gratitude, and Jesus said, “Your faith has made you well.” Yet the focus is not on the strength of the man's faith, but on the One in whom that faith rested. We often turn faith into something we do—as though believing itself earns salvation. But faith saves only because of Christ, who is completely faithful. As Pastor Christopher Esget writes, “Faith doesn't work if the objective of faith is unreliable.” Doctors fail. Coaches fail. People fail. But Jesus never does. He is faithful when we are not. His words never falter, His promises never break. What He says, He does—every single time. On the cross and in the means of grace, He continues to heal, forgive, and restore. Because even when we are faithless, He remains faithful—for He cannot deny Himself. ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- 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 #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Ten men were healed that day—but only one turned back. The Samaritan leper fell at Jesus' feet in gratitude, and Jesus said, “Your faith has made you well.” Yet the focus is not on the strength of the man's faith, but on the One in whom that faith rested. We often turn faith into something we do—as though believing itself earns salvation. But faith saves only because of Christ, who is completely faithful. As Pastor Christopher Esget writes, “Faith doesn't work if the objective of faith is unreliable.” Doctors fail. Coaches fail. People fail. But Jesus never does. He is faithful when we are not. His words never falter, His promises never break. What He says, He does—every single time. On the cross and in the means of grace, He continues to heal, forgive, and restore. Because even when we are faithless, He remains faithful—for He cannot deny Himself. ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- 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 #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Bible study at Trinity Lutheran Church, Murdock NE (12 October 2025).

Sermon preached at Trinity Lutheran Church, Murdock, NE (12 October 2025). Text: Luke 17:11-19

Ten men were healed that day—but only one turned back. The Samaritan leper fell at Jesus' feet in gratitude, and Jesus said, “Your faith has made you well.” Yet the focus is not on the strength of the man's faith, but on the One in whom that faith rested. We often turn faith into something we do—as though believing itself earns salvation. But faith saves only because of Christ, who is completely faithful. As Pastor Christopher Esget writes, “Faith doesn't work if the objective of faith is unreliable.” Doctors fail. Coaches fail. People fail. But Jesus never does. He is faithful when we are not. His words never falter, His promises never break. What He says, He does—every single time. On the cross and in the means of grace, He continues to heal, forgive, and restore. Because even when we are faithless, He remains faithful—for He cannot deny Himself. ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- 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 #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Jesus warns against judging others while blind to our own sins. He teaches about the narrow gate that few will find and exposes false prophets who come as wolves in sheep's clothing. The Sermon concludes with two builders: one whose house on rock weathers the storm, another whose house on sand collapses completely. When Jesus finishes, the crowds are astonished because He teaches with authority, unlike their scribes.  The Rev. Ryan Kleimola, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Toledo, OH, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Matthew 7:1-29.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitylutheran.org. The Gospel of Matthew bridges Old and New Testaments, presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah who fulfills the Law we could never keep and establishes His kingdom of grace for all nations. Written by a tax collector transformed by pure grace, Matthew reveals Christ as the true Son of David and Emmanuel (God with us) who challenges us with the crushing demands of the Law in His Sermon on the Mount to the sweet comfort of the Gospel in His death and resurrection. From royal genealogy to glorious resurrection, this verse-by-verse study proclaims the One who conquered sin, death, and the devil for us, now delivering forgiveness, life, and salvation through Word and Sacrament as He remains with His church always, even to the end of the age.  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.

Three Little Words | Luke 17:1-10 | Unworthy Servants A little boy once broke his sister's toy. After whispering, “I'm sorry,” he waited as she thought, then finally replied, “I forgive you.” Those three little words stunned the world when the video went viral. Why? Because forgiveness is rare. Jesus teaches that forgiveness is not a medal we earn but a gift we pass on. We are not “worthy servants” stacking up good works—we are unworthy servants who still hurt and provoke others. Yet Christ forgives us. On the cross He tore sin out by the roots and cast it into the sea. In Baptism, Absolution, and His Supper, He keeps doing this for you. Forgiveness is not our accomplishment. It is the Gospel in action. By the Spirit, we guard and share this treasure: three little words that change everything—“I forgive you.” Which is simply another way of saying, “I love you.” ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- 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 #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Three Little Words | Luke 17:1-10 | Unworthy Servants A little boy once broke his sister's toy. After whispering, “I'm sorry,” he waited as she thought, then finally replied, “I forgive you.” Those three little words stunned the world when the video went viral. Why? Because forgiveness is rare. Jesus teaches that forgiveness is not a medal we earn but a gift we pass on. We are not “worthy servants” stacking up good works—we are unworthy servants who still hurt and provoke others. Yet Christ forgives us. On the cross He tore sin out by the roots and cast it into the sea. In Baptism, Absolution, and His Supper, He keeps doing this for you. Forgiveness is not our accomplishment. It is the Gospel in action. By the Spirit, we guard and share this treasure: three little words that change everything—“I forgive you.” Which is simply another way of saying, “I love you.” ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- 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 #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Bible study at Trinity Lutheran Church, Murdock, NE (5 October 2025)

Sermon preached at Trinity Lutheran Church, Murdock, NE (5 October 2025). Text: Luk 17:1-10

Modern funerals increasingly look like Pinterest boards and social media tributes rather than Christian worship. How should believers think about death when it comes knocking? We'll explore why Christians need to write down their funeral wishes, what Scripture teaches about the intermediate state between death and resurrection, and why burial versus cremation matters theologically. Death remains our enemy, but it's a defeated enemy. Christians mourn, but not without hope. From building relationships with funeral directors to understanding what happens the moment after we die, this conversation tackles the questions we often avoid until it's too late.  The Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to discuss the Christian view of death.  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.

Three Little Words | Luke 17:1-10 | Unworthy Servants A little boy once broke his sister's toy. After whispering, “I'm sorry,” he waited as she thought, then finally replied, “I forgive you.” Those three little words stunned the world when the video went viral. Why? Because forgiveness is rare. Jesus teaches that forgiveness is not a medal we earn but a gift we pass on. We are not “worthy servants” stacking up good works—we are unworthy servants who still hurt and provoke others. Yet Christ forgives us. On the cross He tore sin out by the roots and cast it into the sea. In Baptism, Absolution, and His Supper, He keeps doing this for you. Forgiveness is not our accomplishment. It is the Gospel in action. By the Spirit, we guard and share this treasure: three little words that change everything—“I forgive you.” Which is simply another way of saying, “I love you.” ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- 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 #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Looks Can Be Deceiving | Luke 16:19–31 | The Rich Man and Lazarus Looks can be deceiving. By all appearances, the rich man in Jesus' story was “blessed.” He had everything he wanted, lived in luxury, and was admired by others. It seemed as though God approved of his life. Meanwhile, Lazarus appeared “cursed”—homeless, sick, hungry, and ignored. Yet appearances were not the truth. In the end, the one who looked blessed was cursed, and the one who looked cursed was blessed. So how do we know who is truly blessed? Not by what our eyes see or by the world's opinions, but by what our ears hear. God's Word tells us the truth. It reveals who we are in Christ—despite appearances, feelings, or the judgments of others. The question is: will we believe what the Word of God says? ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- 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 #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Looks Can Be Deceiving | Luke 16:19–31 | The Rich Man and Lazarus Looks can be deceiving. By all appearances, the rich man in Jesus' story was “blessed.” He had everything he wanted, lived in luxury, and was admired by others. It seemed as though God approved of his life. Meanwhile, Lazarus appeared “cursed”—homeless, sick, hungry, and ignored. Yet appearances were not the truth. In the end, the one who looked blessed was cursed, and the one who looked cursed was blessed. So how do we know who is truly blessed? Not by what our eyes see or by the world's opinions, but by what our ears hear. God's Word tells us the truth. It reveals who we are in Christ—despite appearances, feelings, or the judgments of others. The question is: will we believe what the Word of God says? ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- 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 #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Sermon preached at Trinity Lutheran Church, Murdock, NE (28 September 2025). Text: Luke 16:19-31.

Sermon preached at Trinity Lutheran Church, Murdock, NE (28 September 2025). Text: Luke 16:19-31.

Bible Study at Trinity Lutheran Church, Murdock, NE (28 September 2025).

Looks Can Be Deceiving | Luke 16:19–31 | The Rich Man and Lazarus Looks can be deceiving. By all appearances, the rich man in Jesus' story was “blessed.” He had everything he wanted, lived in luxury, and was admired by others. It seemed as though God approved of his life. Meanwhile, Lazarus appeared “cursed”—homeless, sick, hungry, and ignored. Yet appearances were not the truth. In the end, the one who looked blessed was cursed, and the one who looked cursed was blessed. So how do we know who is truly blessed? Not by what our eyes see or by the world's opinions, but by what our ears hear. God's Word tells us the truth. It reveals who we are in Christ—despite appearances, feelings, or the judgments of others. The question is: will we believe what the Word of God says? ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- 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 #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

The LORD sees those whose covetous thoughts hatch into plots of theft, and He devises their destruction, from which they will not be able to escape. Many of Micah's hearers refuse to believe that the LORD who is among them could do such a thing to Israel, but Micah's proclamation of woe against Israel is true. The false preachers, as beloved as they may be, only hide the true disaster that will come. Yet the LORD promises mercy, for He will gather His remnant and reign over them as their true King. This text calls us to examine our hearts for greed, so that we would repent, trust in the LORD, and seek to be generous with our neighbor.  Rev. Levi Willms, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sauk Rapids, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Micah 2:1-13.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitysr.org. “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorter, the Word of God they preached was important in the years leading up to the coming of the Christ, and that Word remains important for the Church today. Just as we still need to listen to their call to repentance over our idolatry, so we still need to heed their call to trust in the Savior, Jesus.  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

During the same years that the LORD spoke through the prophet Isaiah, the LORD also spoke through the prophet Micah. Micah's preaching begins with a call for all peoples to pay attention to the LORD who is coming for judgment. The LORD calls out both Samaria and Jerusalem for their idolatry, which will receive God's just punishment. As Micah describes the mourning that will take place because of this destruction, he uses wordplays on names of towns both big and small, for the LORD's judgment comes against them all.  Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Micah 1:1-16.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitylcmsvinton.org. “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorter, the Word of God they preached was important in the years leading up to the coming of the Christ, and that Word remains important for the Church today. Just as we still need to listen to their call to repentance over our idolatry, so we still need to heed their call to trust in the Savior, Jesus.  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

When you've really blown it and you've wandered far from God and the guilt of your sins weighs heavy, what do you do? Do you run and hide? Do you make excuses? Or do you come back, empty-handed, with nothing but confession on your lips? That's exactly what the people of Israel do in Nehemiah 9. After rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and hearing once again the Word of God, they suddenly realize the greater walls that had crumbled: their faithfulness, their obedience, their relationship with the Lord. And so, in one of the longest recorded prayers in Scripture, the people confess, repent, and remember the steadfast love of their God.  The Rev. Nathaniel Brown, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Correll, MN, Trinity Lutheran Church in Bellingham, MN, Trinity Lutheran Church in Odessa, MN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Nehemiah 9.  From rubble to renewal, Nehemiah shows how the Lord rebuilds not just walls but hearts. Brick by brick and prayer by prayer, we follow God's people through repentance, courageous leadership, fierce opposition, covenant renewal, and joyful dedication. This verse-by-verse series keeps Law and Gospel front and center, tracing the story from burned gates to the greater Builder — Christ Jesus — who secures a city that cannot fall. Expect honest history, practical application, and the steady comfort of God's promises when the work is heavy and critics are loud. 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.

Newly vomited onto dry ground, Jonah obeys the LORD's gracious second call to go and proclaim His Word to Nineveh. The LORD cares about this great city, and so He sends Jonah to call it to repentance. Even through Jonah's harsh sermon, the LORD's Word does what He intends, and the entire city of Nineveh is brought to repentance. From the greatest to the least, the Ninevites turn to the LORD for mercy, and He shows them precisely that mercy as He spares them from the disaster He had proclaimed through Jonah.  Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jonah 3:1-10.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitymillstadt.org. “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorter, the Word of God they preached was important in the years leading up to the coming of the Christ, and that Word remains important for the Church today. Just as we still need to listen to their call to repentance over our idolatry, so we still need to heed their call to trust in the Savior, Jesus.  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

When you're doing something truly important for God, expect the enemy of God to increase his resistance and opposition. Today's hostile news media, social media attacks, and lies and false rumors against God's people aren't new tactics. In fact, they're ancient strategies of the Accuser. Today on Thy Strong Word, we witness Nehemiah facing his fiercest opposition yet from the surrounding leaders. They attempt to lure him into danger, blackmail him into compliance, and even bribe others to try and make him look weak and foolish. All of this, just days before completing Jerusalem's wall. Discover how God's servants stand firm when the pressure to compromise reaches its peak.  The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Nehemiah 6.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitylutheranministries.org. From rubble to renewal, Nehemiah shows how the Lord rebuilds not just walls but hearts. Brick by brick and prayer by prayer, we follow God's people through repentance, courageous leadership, fierce opposition, covenant renewal, and joyful dedication. This verse-by-verse series keeps Law and Gospel front and center, tracing the story from burned gates to the greater Builder — Christ Jesus — who secures a city that cannot fall. Expect honest history, practical application, and the steady comfort of God's promises when the work is heavy and critics are loud. 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.

Ordinary Judean families cry out under crushing debt, famine, and heavy Persian taxes, while their own nobles and officials exploit them for profit. Nehemiah responds with righteous anger, confronting the elites in a public assembly and demanding immediate restitution. He calls them back to God's Law, reminds them of their covenant duty, and sets the example himself when, as Governor over Judea, he refuses the governor's food allowance and instead provides for many out of his own wealth.  The Rev. Stewart Crown, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Palo Alto, CA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Nehemiah 5.   To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitylutheranpaloalto.com. From rubble to renewal, Nehemiah shows how the Lord rebuilds not just walls but hearts. Brick by brick and prayer by prayer, we follow God's people through repentance, courageous leadership, fierce opposition, covenant renewal, and joyful dedication. This verse-by-verse series keeps Law and Gospel front and center, tracing the story from burned gates to the greater Builder — Christ Jesus — who secures a city that cannot fall. Expect honest history, practical application, and the steady comfort of God's promises when the work is heavy and critics are loud. 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.