Thy Strong Word From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Kevin Parviz, pastor of Congregation Chai v’Shalom in St. Louis, MO joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study I John 1:1-4. John preaches to the saints who were struggling in faith. This epistle is for us as we struggle in faith. From the beginning, Christ was the word of life that would be the one to unite us with the Triune God. We can knit-pick many details, but it comes down to the Truth of Christ’s life giving blood for you. This fellowship with the LORD extends to the joy we have with one another as the body of Christ. He has brought us together in joy for our joy is complete in Christ. “Lord Jesus Christ, as You are the vine and we are the branches, keep us connected to You and fill us with the joy that only comes through Your joy of saving us. Send Your Holy Spirit that others may believe in Your forgiveness and that our joy may be complete. In Your name, Amen”

Rev. Warren Woerth, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Arnold, MO joins Rev. Brady Finnern to start off our study of John’s three epistles. John writes these epistles that you “believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life (I John 5:13).” He writes these epistles toward the end of his life and is ardent with the desire for people not to believe the false messages going around the church. The Word written by John are vital as people continuously ask questions of Jesus, we are able to boldly confess He is Love, Light, & Forgiveness by His cross. “Lord Jesus Christ, in You there is no darkness at all. As You are the light of the city of God, shine in my heart to walk as a child of the Light. Amen” Thy Strong Word 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

Rev. Andrew Lehenbauer, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Concordia, MO joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study and pray Psalm 26. It appears that David was being falsely accused from others that led him to ask the LORD to do something we would fear ever to do: “LORD, judge me!” He knows that he was indeed a sinner (Psalm 51) AND knew that the Lord’s promises of steadfast love and faithfulness are real. Our conversations with God may not always sound perfect, but indeed our LORD wants to hear from us. David understands the love of God, how he wanted to be in God’s presence, and that the LORD would keep him from evil. “Forever, O Lord, Your Word is firmly set in the heavens. Lord, I love the habitation of Your house and the place where Your glory. Judge me by Your mercy and steadfast love. Amen.

Rev. John Hopkins, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hicksville, NY joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study and pray Psalm 25. “Remember when…” we will say while with old friends. David realizes his sin and asks the LORD not to remember his sins—which we all hope, but also to remember that He is mercy. This Psalm is a prayer of a faithful person who not only seeks forgiveness, but for the LORD to lead, teach, guard, and give them refuge. Our pleas for forgiveness are not only for us as individuals, but also for others. “Christ be my Leader by night as by day; Safe through the darkness, for He is the way. Gladly I follow, my future His care, Darkness is daylight when Jesus is there" (Lutheran Service Book 861, "Christ Be My Leader").

Rev. Dan Torkelson, pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in North Prairie, WI joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study and pray Psalm 126. The LORD restores fortunes. This Psalm might have been written after the Israelites were restored back to their homeland. Although everything was not perfect, it was another opportunity for a time to give thanks, to dream of what might be, and to see once again how the LORD takes care of us. He restores us daily by forgiveness in Christ by taking all sins from us. He restored the fortune of God’s people from slavery and captivity which reminds us of the future restoration to the perfect fortune of the new heaven and new earth. “Lord God, restore our fortunes in body and soul, You have done great things for us, even when I sow in tears, bring joy now and when Your Son returns. In His name, Amen”

Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study and pray Psalm 23. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/WrestlingWithTheBasics. We are like lost sheep who need a Shepherd. David’s words remind us all that the LORD gives: daily needs, righteousness, peace, comfort, goodness, mercy, restoration, and all that we need to support this body and life. This psalm is a great comfort in all stages of life. He not only has compassion on us as sheep, BUT He treats us as royalty by preparing a place at the King’s table. Our LORD, the fullness of goodness and mercy, will be with us through everything with a steadfast, compassionate love that we fully see by His cross. Alleluia! "The King of Love my shepherd is, Whose goodness faileth never; I nothing lack if I am His, and HE is mine forever" (Lutheran Service Book 709, "The King of Love My Shepherd Is").

Rev. Bryan Stecker, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church & School in Waconia MN, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study and pray Psalm 22. We hear the prayer of David and we see Christ on the cross. The connections to Christ are everywhere: mocking from others (v.7), bones are out of joint (v.16), piercing of my hands and feet (v.17), my tongue sticks to my jaws (v.15), and dividing the garments (v.18). The LORD worked through David to prove that this suffering Jesus was the King of Jews whose love goes beyond any love in this broken world. “Tell me, ye who hear Him groaning ; was there ever grief like His? Friends through fear His cause disowning, foes insulting His distress; Many hands were raised to wound Him, None would intervene to save; But the deepest stroke that pierced Him was the stroke that justice gave" (Lutheran Service Book 451, "Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted").

Rev. Dr. Jon Furgeson, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in St. Louis, MO joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study and pray Psalm 24. Seek the Lord. He is strong and mighty, the Lord of Glory, everything is His, and He is righteous. David expresses his trust that he was indeed unworthy to be in God’s presence. Our confidence is not in our clean hands, but in the LORD who makes us clean by His blood. Many questions in this world do not have an answer we can speak with confidence. However, in Christ, we confidently say that He is our King of Glory, the LORD of hosts, “Jesus is my confidence.” “Jesus lives! And now is death But the gate of life immortal; This shall calm my trembling breath; When I pass it gloomy portal. Faith shall cry, as fails each sense. Jesus is my confidence. (#490, Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won, LSB).

Rev. Steven Theiss, vacancy pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, MO joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study and pray Psalm 127. “Unless the Lord builds it…” reminds us that everything is a gift from the LORD. Solomon understood that the LORD wanted the temple to be built and He was in control. This understanding extends to our families as we see the gift of children as a heritage of the LORD. In our culture we can get caught downplaying the gift of the family, but God fills us with the joy of children (our own or others) as a blessing to all of us. “Lord God, help us to rest in Your promises and to see every child as a blessing from You. Forgive us for trusting in ourselves and only seeing the burdens of others. Lord have mercy. Amen”

Rev. Dr. Nathan Meador, Executive Assistant for Mission and Mercy for the South Wisconsin District in Milwaukee, WI joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study and pray Psalm 128. To fear the Lord is to understand what we deserve (justice) in comparison to what we receive (forgiveness and love). The Psalmist proclaims the truth of the blessing of His love for us while seeking His strength and peace to live a holy life, especially within our families. This psalm is an important prayer for husbands & wives, extended family, and our churches to be reminded that we are blessed seeking His peace for all of us. “The LORD bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. May You see your children’s children! Peace be upon Israel. Amen”

Rev. David Boisclair of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Church in Pine Lawn, MO joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 28:16-20. Jesus’ last words in the Gospel of Matthew are full of promise. He has all authority over everything (v.18), He is part of the Triune Godhead (v.19), and He will be with us forever (v.20). What a joy to know that Jesus is not only all powerful but has committed himself to cling to us through thick and thin. The calling for the church is clear: make disciples through baptism in the name of the Triune God and teaching. These words may seem too simple, but it is truly a work of the Holy Spirit through the means of grace. He calls the church to proclaim this good news. The holy catholic and apostolic church calls pastors to faithfully preach the Gospel and administer His sacraments while the priesthood of all believers proclaim this truth in their daily vocations. “I know my Redeemer lives; what comfort this sweet sentence gives! He lives, He lives, who once was dead; He lives my ever

Rev. Eric Moquin, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Sherwood, OH joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 28:1-15. Alleluia, Christ is Risen; He is Risen indeed, Alleluia! The walk to the tomb was filled with grief, but after the angel’s message and the proof of an empty tomb they quickly left with great joy. Jesus met them on the road and said words of peace, “Do not be afraid.” There will always be a message that tries to counter the truth of His resurrection, but we cling to the promises that in fact, Christ has been risen from the dead, therefore nothing shall separate us from His love. “If Christ had not been raised from death; Our faith would be in vain; Our preaching but a waste of breath, our sin and guilt remain; But now the LORD is ris’n indeed; He rules in earth and heav’n; His Gospel meets a world of need—In Christ we are forgiv’n.” (Lutheran Service Book 486, "If Christ Had Not Raised from the Dead").

Rev. Tom Eckstein, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 27:45-66. The cross does the talking. By the cross we see the perfect form of love that God would die for his friend (John 15:13). The cross was the final sacrifice for all (Hebrews 10:10). The cross is the fulfillment of Psalm 22. The cross proclaims the truth that He accomplished everything for our salvation. The cross leads the centurion and others with him proclaim the truth, “Truly this was the Son of God.” This message was so strong that the religious leaders tried to prevent any opportunities for Jesus’ resurrection by sealing the tomb, but the sealant could not hold him! “Lamb of God, pure and holy, Who on the cross didst suffer; Ever patient and lowly, Thyself to scorn didst offer; All sins Tho borest for us, Else had despised reigned o’er us. Have mercy on us, O Jesus, O Jesus!” (Lutheran Service Book 434, Lamb of God, Pure and Holy).

Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 27:24-44. The people were about to riot unless Jesus, the innocent, sinless man was crucified. By God’s wisdom Pilate’s decision to have Jesus crucified is what brings us healing, life, and forgiveness. We feel the mockery, the thorns in the head, the moisture of spit on his face, and the nails piercing his skin. The words of the people and Roman soldiers are “true” (Blood will be on us, Hail King of the Jews, Son of God), but they are proclaimed not in saving faith. We see Jesus, the true King, serve His people in His kingdom by submission to God’s will in weakness for the sake of us (2 Corinthians 5:21). In grief we say, “Thanks be to God!” “Lord God, once again we look at the cross where Your Son died. Open our eyes to see this action by faith and humble us to receive Your promises with joy. In Christ, Amen”

Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 27:1-23. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/WrestlingWithTheBasics. Everyone is talking about accusations but Jesus is silent. Can you imagine a situation where it would be decided that you would be killed for something you did not do instead of a convicted criminal. Would you stay quiet? The chief priests and elders were great at justifying their actions as if there was a “level of sins” His words were few because the cross would do all the talking. We hear the rest of the passion to realize the depth of our sin and how little we deserve this grace. “When I survey the wondrous cross; On which the Prince of Glory died; My richest gain I count but loss; and pour contempt on all my pride.” (Lutheran Service Book #425, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross).

Rev. Dr. Joshua Jones, pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Rapid City, SD joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 26:57-75. The religious leaders are gathering the forces and using all of their political chips to take Jesus down. After all the attempts they could only rely on false prophets to bring Him to Pilate. The claim of blasphemy is that He threatened the temple and usurped the religious leaders. When we get to Peter’s denial we realize the seriousness from Matthew 5 about oaths and Jesus’ words “whoever confesses me before men I will confess before My Father who is in heaven” cut us to the heart. The story of Peter is the reason why we have the cross: broken, weak sinners needing a Savior to become broken and weak for them. “O Christ, You walked the road; Our wand’ring feet must go. You faced with us temptations pow’r; and fought our ancient foe.” (Lutheran Service Book 424, O Christ, You Walked the Road).

Rev. Scott Adle, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville, IL joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 26:36-56. As Jesus prays to the Father, “take this cup from me, but Your will be done.” It is clear that our strength is in the LORD. This is why we sing “The LORD God is my strength and my song (Isaiah 12:2b).” If we look to one another for strength and hope, betrayal & laziness prevail. In Christ, we have the one who takes the burden upon Himself and even calls his betrayer “Friend.” Jesus possesses enough power to call on enough angels to destroy a whole country, but out of love, submits to the will of the Father and fulfills the Scripture. “Almighty God, Your will be done. As Christ fulfilled the Scriptures, we look to Him for our hope and strength. Keep us steadfast in You and filled with the hope of Your cross. In Him, Amen”

Rev. Curtis Deterding, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, FL joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 26:1-35. Jesus is working the ground to prepare everyone for the cross. He calls everyone to faith, like the woman anointing Jesus’ head for burial. The comfort of Jesus’ preparation that He doesn’t just give words but Himself, His body and blood, to give us forgiveness and a taste of heaven today. We are reminded again that “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” Peter confessed that he would NEVER deny Christ, but he did. We pray that the Holy Spirit will keep us steadfast in Him and find comfort in all that He has done for us. “O Holy Spirit, fill us with faith and prepare us to confess Jesus as Lord and stay steadfast in Him. Give us the right understanding of Your precious supper that we may receive Your benefits and trust in Your promise of forgiveness. In Your name, Amen”

Rev. Kevin Parviz, pastor of Congregation Chai v’Shalom in St. Louis, MO joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 25:31-46. We receive a glimpse of what will occur when Jesus returns. He will come and sit on his glorious throne and judge the nations. This judgment is quite troubling when we think about the times we have not fed the hungry, given drink to the thirsty, visited those in prison, and given clothing to the needy? Yet, God is at work preparing a place for you by Christ’s cross (John 14:1-3). We grieve those who might be on the Lord’s left hand. May the LORD take that grief and lead us to a faith-filled life of prayer and service to others. “O Holy Spirit, make us sheep of our Shepherd Jesus. As He has given His life for us, we know that the time of judgment will come. Keep us in the narrow way and bring others to Your saving name. In His name, Amen”

Rev. Dr. Donald Fondow, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study and pray Psalm 21. King David prays after battle. Psalm 20 says, “O LORD, save the king” and Psalm 21 shows that God is victorious. David can not help but rejoice in the LORD’s strength and salvation. The LORD had sustained David and his lineage not only in battle, but in faith in the saving King who has had the victory on the cross. We rejoice in His faithfulness to destroy death and evil that on the last day, the wrath we deserve, has been placed on our Savior, the King. “Lord God, steadfast is Your love in Christ as You have had the victory. Keep us from evil knowing that evil will not win the day. Help us to sing our praises in Your power and in Your power we rest in peace. Lord in Your mercy, Amen”