Thy Strong Word From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Terry Finnern, pastor of Mt. Calvary & St. Paul Lutheran Churches in Miltona, MN joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 23. Abraham lost his bride. He intentionally took a step back to mourn, weep, and grieve his loss. In humility, Abraham needed to request the Hittites for the opportunity to give his wife a proper burial. To lose a loved one forces us to take a few steps back and focus on what matters most. Abraham paid full price for this plot of land which reminds us that we have a God who has paid the full price of our salvation in preparation for His return. “Lord God, help us to grieve, but to do so with hope. Fill us with hope when we lose people that we love and find our certain hope in the resurrected Jesus. Amen”

Rev. Dan Eddy, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Beloit, WI joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 22. The LORD provided the promised son, Isaac. Within a short time He tests Abraham’s faith by asking Him to sacrifice this son. We do not fully understand the reason why the LORD tests His people, but it’s clear that He will provide. This story reminds us that the LORD provides a Savior who was the only Son, carried the woody cross to the mountain, and was sacrificed for our salvation. It is Christ who lays over this story to remind us that He provides all things through Him. “O Holy Spirit, help us put on Christ goggles to better understand and give thanks for the depth of the Father’s love to give up His only Son for sinners like us. Lord have mercy. Amen”

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 21. Abraham and Sarah laughed and God still fulfilled His promise. The fulfillment promised in Genesis 12 has come true which did not end brokenness in the world and tensions instantly bubble up. From Isaac would come a Savior, yet, God’s promises were not only for him, but also for Hagar and Ishmael. The events were seemingly insignificant but God provides what is needed for them and for us in Christ. “Lord God, as You fulfilled Your promises of old, may You keep Your promises among us as well. Provide for the needs of Your people as lean on the promise of Christ’s forgiveness, life, and salvation. In His name, Amen”

Rev. Stewart Crown, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Palo Alto, CA joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 20. Is it really a surprise that we see Abraham commit a sin 2x? In Genesis one does not need to watch very long before we see the need of a Savior. God is the gracious author and helper through these stories and works to prevent any confusion of the promised son. We give thanks that He carries us through our crooked paths, as He did for Abraham and Sarah, toward His promises. “Lord God, carry us through our sin to the forgiveness won by Your Son’s blood. Carry us through the trials that we may continue to grow in faith and in service to others. In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Phil Hoppe, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 19:23-38. Whenever we have sin there must be redemption. The wrath of God is extended upon Sodom, Gomorrah, valley, and everything that grew on the ground as payment for their sin. We might assume that after all this destruction Lot and his daughters would spend more time in repentance and living a new life. Yet, our sinful self is full of darkness and often overlooks the depth of God’s love, forgiveness, and mercy toward us in Christ. “O Holy Spirit, give us the gift of repentance as we see the destruction of Sodom and the horrific actions of Lot’s daughters. We realize our sins are just as deserving of wrath and we ask for Your help to live a holy life no matter the chaos. Lord have mercy. In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Jeremy Klaustermeier, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Warrenton, MO joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 19:1-22. Abraham intercedes for Sodom to save it if the LORD finds 10 righteous people. This seemed like a reasonable number, but hard hearts lead to their destruction. The whole city was so depraved that they followed their own desires instead of following the ways of the LORD. There must be payment for sin, which is not good for us as our sin is just as dark. Yet, as the LORD mercifully saved Lot and his family, He mercifully takes this wrath on Christ’s cross. “Lord Jesus, as You have made me Your own, send Your Holy Spirit upon us that we live in Your kingdom and serve You in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness. Lord have mercy. Amen”

Rev. Steven Naylor, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Grangeville, ID joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 18:22-33. God’s mercy and justice are in full effect. There is always punishment for sin but as He is merciful He holds back the punishment for the sake of the faithful. Abraham pleads with the Lord to be merciful to the grave, undeserving sinners in Sodom. The hard fact is that none of us deserve His grace, but by His love He has placed that wrath on His Son. We repent and pray with confidence due on account of Christ’s full sufficient sacrifice for our forgiveness. “Lord God, thank You for allowing us to confidently come to You as Abraham pleaded for Sodom. Keep us from sin, keep us in faith, and as Christ has taken Your wrath in our place, fill us with Your righteousness. In His name, Amen”

Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne, MN joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 18:1-21. The LORD and two angels visited Abraham. He ran to them and prepared a major feast for his guests. The LORD gives a promise to Abraham and Sarah of a child. In disbelieving joy, she laughed. She knows that the LORD is faithful but a child would be biologically impossible. We know that the LORD is faithful, but we struggle to cling to Him in trial. “Lord, as You have found me favorable in Your sight for Christ’s sake, keep us steadfast in the promises You gave and patiently give us Your Holy Spirit in our times of disbelief. In Christ, Amen”

Rev. David Juhl, pastor of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Arlington, WI joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 17:15-27. Abraham and Sarah received the promise of a son. Being 90+ years old they were quick to laugh, but they still trusted the LORD (Romans 4:20). The sign of circumcision was a promise of being part of His family AND pointing us to the hope of the promised Messiah (Galatians 5:1-3). As Christians, we are sons of Abraham by faith in the Savior and therefore circumcision is no longer needed. By faith, we are counted righteous on account of Christ. Hard to believe, but what a joy. “Lord God, renew us in faith to see the old promises for Abraham always pointed to Christ. Renew us in faith to cling to Your resurrected Christ that we may be counted righteous. In His name, Amen”

Rev. Jason Bredeson, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sacramento, CA joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 17:1-14. Abram receives the full-meal deal of promises from the LORD: a new name, promise of many nations, and the sign of circumcision. His covenant toward us is everlasting. The promise that we still have today by the blood of Christ. In Baptism, we are marked as one of His own. He gives us the fullness of salvation, reminding us to live in His covenant as His holy people. “Lord God, You have made Your mark on us to know of Your everlasting covenant in Christ and we ask for Your help to live holy lives as Your covenantal people on account of Christ. Lord have mercy. Amen”

Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church & School in Edwardsville, IL joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 16. Sarai and Abram had waited 10 years for a child and she was anxious. In our anxiety while we are waiting on the LORD leads us all to listen to other voices instead of His Word. The chaos of following the ways of the world is clearly seen in this text. In this complex relationship, we see jealousy, anger, infidelity, immorality, and conflict. Yet, the LORD is merciful and promises to Hagar were plentiful. He sees her struggles and would provide all that she needs. “Lord God, help us to wait on Your promises. Help us to stay steadfast in Your Word. In His name, Amen”

Rev. Martin Mably, pastor of Lord of Glory Lutheran Church in Elk River, MN joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 15. Abraham’s descendants would be as many as the stars in the sky. The Lord’s promises were very clear, but the timing might not be what Abram planned. Yet, the LORD patiently filled him with the promise again. The LORD gave a visual of how much He would bless him with a great name, the promised land, and a Savior—Stars. It is unfathomable to try to count the stars, which reminds us that God’s promises in Christ are beyond our comprehension. The future for Abraham’s family would not be a smooth road, but He would patiently love and care for His people. We see the patience of our LORD as He unjustly was sent to the cross without saying a word. All of this He did for our sake and our salvation. Thanks be to God! “Lord God, thank you for counting us righteous on account of Jesus. Help us to live righteous and holy lives to Your glory and in love toward others. In His name, Amen”

Rev. Brady Finnern, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Sartell, MN studies Genesis 14. Wars, rumors of wars, famine and pestilence are not only before the end of the age, but have been occurring since the fall. As kings were fighting kings, Lot was taken and Abram rescued him by God’s help. Out of nowhere priest and king Melchizedek blessed Abram and in faith, he gave 10% of everything to the LORD. Melchizedek is a unique figure in Scripture as he not only blessed Abram, but points us to Christ (Hebrews 7). This priest and king who was not from kingly and priestly lineage was brought to bless His people, yet, Melchizedek was simply a man and Jesus is the greater covenant, greater king, and greater priest. “Lord God, as You are the great High Priest, You have generously given all things, we look to You to help us to be generous to You and others. In His name, Amen”

Rev. Matthew Gunia, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ironwood, MI joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 13. Abram and Lot had come to a head. They both had great possessions which in itself is not the issue, but coveting and conflict led them to separate. Abram’s faith and love toward Lot allowed his nephew to choose where he wanted to go. Abram’s goal was for the sake of unity and seeking the LORD’s help, yet Lot had a goal of living in bountiful land for his benefit. We all fall into this temptation as we seek which direction to take in this life. It is easy to seek the instant benefits while forgetting the temptations and trials one decision can cause. The LORD provided for both Abram and Lot and we know by faith, that He will provide for us in Christ. “Lord God, keep our eyes fixed on Jesus as we walk through this life. Protect us from the temptations of the evil one and direct in the ways You have set before us. Forgive us our sins and provide for all our needs. Lord in your mercy. Amen”

Rev. Dave Hinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sauk Rapids, MN joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 12. Abram was given a “great commission” to leave his home to travel 700+ miles with many blessings to be a blessing to the world. Abram leaves his home and through him the Lord’s name will be great. To have such a calling had to be taxing, but everything was done to the LORD. Although Abram was a faithful man, temptation was real for him as he entered Egypt. Instead of trusting the Lord’s providence, he predicted the Egyptian reactions and lied. In faith, may we cling to His promises and live holy lives through temptation. “Lord God, as You called Abram, You have called us to serve in Your kingdom. Keep us steadfast in trusting in Your promises to keep from temptation to love You and love others. In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Joshua Knippa, pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Nederland, TX joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 11:10-32. Shem’s descendants bring hope. In Genesis 9, the Lord promised to bless Shem and his descendants as he was faithful to the Lord (9:25-28). His lineage leads us to understand that the LORD, for whatever reason, works through all sorts of fallen people. Abram’s family was from the ungodly country of Ur, but God chose him to follow. This is a reminder our gracious God chooses the least of these and qualifies the chosen. “Lord Jesus Christ, as You have chosen us, like Abram, to be Your people, help us to find rest in grace and bless future generations in the comfort and hope of Your salvation. Amen”

Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 11:1-9. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/WrestlingWithTheBasics. God’s people were to be dispersed and be fruitful in His name, but instead they wanted to make a name for themselves. It is easy for all of us to attempt to uphold an ideal situation like one language, same words, and build a huge tower. Yet, what gets lost is the LORD! If we stay in the ideals of life, we can easily forget God and His glory. The Lord’s dispersion of God’s people to curtail pride and evil is a sign of love to assure that He would stay with Him. We celebrate Pentecost knowing what was dispersed has now been united in Christ by the Holy Spirit. “Lord Jesus, as we are united together by Your blood through the Holy Spirit, keep us humble, steadfast in faith, that Your name be known around the world. O Holy Spirit, enter in. Amen”

Rev. James Price, pastor of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Wamego, KS joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 10. The LORD provides. When the earth only had 8 people left, the Lord caused His people to be fruitful and multiply in the dignity of being a child of God. We are all descended from Noah’s family which reminds us to treat each other with dignity, especially as we know it is Christ who has shed His blood for all nations. God’s people extended throughout the world and through Abraham all nations will be blessed through faith in the LORD. This connects to us as Christians, that by His grace, this Gospel goes to all nations (Matthew 28:19). “O LORD, as You provide for Your people, help us to give dignity to all people, by Your Holy Spirit bring all nations to Christ and His forgiving grace. Lord have mercy. Amen”

Rev. Curtis Deterding of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, FL joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 9. Noah and his family are living in the new creation. He gives them the gift of life, food, and the promise to no longer have a worldwide flood. Yet, this new creation was still filled with temptation and shame. Noah was tempted to use the Lord’s gift to his detriment which led to more sin. By the promise of our LORD we know we have sinned which causes other sins which leads to issues beyond ourselves. By the grace of God, we repent of the shame of sin and by the blood of Christ that gives life, we live as new creations. “Lord God, as Noah needed a Savior, thank you for giving us that same Savior. Grant us the gift of repentance and put your name of redemption on us to trust and love in Your name. In HIs name we pray, Amen”

Rev. David Boisclair of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Church in Pine Lawn, MO joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Genesis 8. The destruction of the world was completed. The waters subsided and God was bringing humanity back to a new creation. In faith, Noah builds an altar and worships the LORD while the LORD makes a promise to never do this again. He will sustain all of this new creation: seedtime & harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night. As we are a new creation, He will sustain us by remembering His mercy and love for His people through Christ, we trust that He will continue to sustain us and continually make things new by His grace. “O Holy Spirit, make us a new creation. Thank you for making us a new creation through Christ in Baptism. We ask that You would sustain us as Your people that we may worship You as did Noah. In His name, Amen”