Thy Strong Word From Kfuo Radio

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”

Rev. Matthew Schultz, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Niskayuna, NY joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study and pray Psalm 20. David prays to His King that He would bless his people. It is a reminder for us to pray for our leaders and know that the LORD is the true leader. The power is in the name of the LORD and not ours. The victory is His and we trust in Him to graciously care for His kingdom in His salvation. “Lord Jesus, as You are our saving King, we ask that You would answer us in our battles, give us the joy of Your salvation, and keep us from evil. In Your name, Amen”

AudioLink Rev. Terry Finnern, pastor of Mt. Calvary & St. Paul’s Lutheran Churches in Miltona, MN joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study and pray Psalm 19. David reflects on everything: God’s creation, God’s law, our sinfulness, God’s salvation, and God’s rock solid redemption in Christ.  By His perfect, sure, right, true, and clean Word, we are able to see His glory through creation keeping grounded in His Creating work.  When we know all the truth revealed to us about God in Christ, we confess like David, “Who can discern his errors?”  Yet, the LORD is gracious to forgive our great transgressions and keep our mouth and heart acceptable in His sight.  “Lord God, my rock and my redeemer, keep us grounded to rightly understand creation and our sin through the lens of Your grace in Christ.  Keep us in the narrow way that we may enjoy all Your gifts and be sustained while we live and when we die.  In Your name, Amen” 

Rev. Levi Willms, pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Yankton, SD joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study and pray Psalm 129. “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth” says all of Israel. God’s people had gone through afflictions throughout the entirety of their lives and in hope, they seek the righteousness of God. The Psalmist asks the Lord to keep enemies from prevailing, keep them from bearing fruit, that we may bless the LORD and bless others through affliction as the Lord is righteous. “Lord God, when we suffer afflictions, give us Your righteousness to know that evil will not prevail. Take away evil and give us words of blessing to one another in Your name. Lord have mercy. Amen”

Rev. Aaron Stinnett, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Smithfield, RI joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study and pray Psalm 130 & 131. Martin Luther was once asked concerning his favorite psalms and he mentioned that Psalm 130 was a “Pauline psalm.” Psalm 130 proclaims a gracious and forgiving God who is quick to listen and quick with grace. The authors of both psalms are pleading for mercy from the depths and a “low heart” knowing that this LORD does not mark iniquities, He provides us with peace, and fills us with hope. Keep praying saints, your LORD listens, and quiets our souls by His grace. “Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD, O Lord hear my voice. I wait for You, O LORD, my soul waits and in his word, I hope. Lord have mercy. Amen”

Rev. Greg Truwe, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cole Camp, MO joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 25:14-30. The Master generously entrusts His kingdom to His servants. The Master will be returning and it is clear that the servant’s stewardship of this kingdom will have its challenges. The servants that gained more talents were brought into the joy of their Master. The servant with one talent is a cause of lament as he did not see the Master for who He was: Merciful! Instead of trusting the Master to have mercy, the servant fears the strength of the Master. We have a merciful Master, Jesus Christ our LORD, who has done ALL the work of mercy on the cross who takes on what we deserve. With that merciful Master with us, the One who has invited us to His joy, we live in that grace to love and serve Him and others. “Lord God, as You generously and joyously provide Your gifts to us, keep our hearts to remember that You are a merciful Master so that we faithfully use Your Amen”

Rev. Tysen Bibb, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Norborne, MO joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 25:1-13. The Church waits for Christ’s return as the virgins wait for the bridegroom. To be ready for his coming required a lamp to be lit. To wait can cause us to lose focus and become drowsy like the virgins. When the bridegroom returned at midnight five virgins had enough oil and five did not. Faith, the oil in the lamp, is what is required to enter the wedding feast and you can’t have faith for another. The song “Give me oil in my lamp, keep it burning, burning, burning” is a good prayer for Him to keep us close to Himself and we ask for that same oil for others. “O LORD, keep us awake, fill us with Your gifts of salvation to be ready when You return. You give us the reality of Your return because of Your love for us, give us hope as we wait and joyfully serve in Your kingdom. Amen”

Rev. Max Phillips, pastor of Christ and Zion Lutheran Churches in Bouton & Ogden, IA, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 24:32-51. The time is near. Repent. Believe in the Word that will not pass away. Jesus reminds us that we live trusting in the LORD, not knowing when He will return, to be ready for His return. Heaven and earth will pass away, but the Word will not pass away. The timing of Christ's return is not as important as living in faith. If we assume that we will always have more time, these words can be scary, but knowing that Christ has done it all on the cross, we can live in comfort each day. “O Holy Spirit, fill us with the comfort of the cross and give us the words to proclaim about Christ and Him crucified so that others may believe and serve in Your kingdom. Make us ready, O LORD. Lord have mercy. Amen”

Rev. Robert Wentzel, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Bemidji, MN joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 24:15-31. “Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:20).” In love, Jesus prepares the disciples for His quick and dynamic return. For the believer, it will be a day of rejoicing, which reminds us of the need to continue to faithfully preach the truth of Christ’s salvation & forgiveness in this life and the life to come. In Christ, it is well with our souls. Come quickly! “And, Lord, haste the day when our faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll, The trumpet shall sound and the Lord shall descend, even so it is well with my soul.” Lutheran Service Book 763

Rev. Michael Pottschmidt, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School in Concordia, MO joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 23:37-24:14. In love, Jesus laments the lost sheep of Jerusalem and teaches the truth of His second coming. We are to be careful to not take Jesus’ words as a literal checklist we can interpret from the newspaper. He makes sure that we understand the reality of this broken world (wars, rumors of wars, persecution, false Christ’s, famines, and earthquakes) and shows us where our hope lies: His kingdom. Stay steadfast, endure until the end, and lay hold on His salvation. “Fight the good fight with all your might; Christ is your strength, and Christ your right. Lay hold on life, and it shall be, Your joy and crown eternally. Amen” Lutheran Service Book 664

Rev. Kyle Mietzner, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Anchorage, AK joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 23:1-36. In love, Jesus gave His last sermon to the religious leaders and what a sermon it was. Woe to anyone who attempts to gain the world but loses the LORD. Woe to those who lead others astray. Woe to anyone who attempts to tithe their possessions without faith denying justice and mercy. Woe to anyone who looks shiny and bright while actually spiritually dead. Repent, O saints, follow His Word and look again to Christ. “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. Amen” Lutheran Service Book 861:1