KFUO Radio podcast

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https://kfuo-od.streamguys1.com/recast/thy-strong-word/20250616130634-2025-06-16_TSW.mp3 Download Audio File Likely feeling alone and forgotten in an Egyptian prison, two dreams will change Joseph’s life forever. However, they’re not his dreams, but those of two imprisoned officials of Pharoah. We witness how God works even through bitter disappointment and suffering to accomplish His kingdom purposes. Joseph’s trials remind us that waiting on the Lord’s timing isn’t wasted time, it’s an act of faith. This episode explores how dreams, dungeons, and divine delays all point us forward to Christ the true interpreter of God’s will and the faithful “rememberer” of His people. The Rev. Max Phillips, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Bouton and Zion Lutheran Church in Ogden, Iowa, Executive Director of Lutheran Family Service, and CEO of Perry Lutheran Homes, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 40. To learn more about Christ Lutheran Bouton, visit www.facebook.com/CLCBouton . To learn more about Zion Lutheran, visit www.facebook.com/ZionLutheranOgdenIa . Genesis isn’t just the start of the Bible; it’s the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you’ve read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. Thy Strong Word , hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org . Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation . Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org. Genesis 40 Joseph Interprets Two Prisoners’ Dreams 40 Some time after this, the cupbearer of the king of Egypt and his baker committed an offense against their lord the king of Egypt. 2 And Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, 3 and he put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the prison where Joseph was confined. 4 The captain of the guard appointed Joseph to be with them, and he attended them. They continued for some time in custody. 5 And one night they both dreamed—the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were confined in the prison—each his own dream, and each dream with its own interpretation. 6 When Joseph came to them in the morning, he saw that they were troubled. 7 So he asked Pharaoh’s officers who were with him in custody in his master’s house, “Why are your faces downcast today?” 8 They said to him, “We have had dreams, and there is no one to interpret them.” And Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell them to me.” 9 So the chief cupbearer told his dream to Joseph and said to him, “In my dream there was a vine before me, 10 and on the vine there were three branches. As soon as it budded, its blossoms shot forth, and the clusters ripened into grapes. 11 Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand, and I took the grapes and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup and placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand.” 12 Then Joseph said to him, “This is its interpretation: the three branches are three days. 13 In three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your office, and you shall place Pharaoh’s cup in his hand as formerly, when you were his cupbearer. 14 Only remember me, when it is well with you, and please do me the kindness to mention me to Pharaoh, and so get me out of this house. 15 For I was indeed stolen out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also I have done nothing that they should put me into the pit.” 16 When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was favorable, he said to Joseph, “I also had a dream: there were three cake baskets on my head, 17 and in the uppermost basket there were all sorts of baked food for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating it out of the basket on my head.” 18 And Joseph answered and said, “This is its interpretation: the three baskets are three days. 19 In three days Pharaoh will lift up your head—from you!—and hang you on a tree. And the birds will eat the flesh from you.” 20 On the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, he made a feast for all his servants and lifted up the head of the chief cupbearer and the head of the chief baker among his servants. 21 He restored the chief cupbearer to his position, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand. 22 But he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them. 23 Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him. English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org…

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Daily Chapel — Rev. Dr. John Sias on John 3:1-15 (16-17)

14 hours ago

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https://kfuo-od.streamguys1.com/recast/coffee-hour/20250616110432-2025-06-16_Chapel.mp3 Download Audio File Rev. Dr. John Sias gives today’s sermon based on John 3:1-15 (16-17). >> The broadcast of chapel services is brought to you by LCMS International Mission and Ministry to Armed Forces. >> Learn more at international.lcms.org and lcms.org/armedforces . >> To learn more about long and short-term opportunities to serve, visit servenow.lcms.org . Tune in weekdays at 10:00 a.m. CT to hear daily chapel services from the LCMS International Center. Find service information including the lectionary, hymn, and homilist for the day at kfuo.org/daily-chapel-schedule .…

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The Coffee Hour — Next Stop in the Convention Cycle

15 hours ago

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https://kfuo-od.streamguys1.com/recast/coffee-hour/20250616114228-2025-06-16_CH.mp3 Download Audio File The 69th Regular Convention of the LCMS is next summer! Rev. Dr. John Sias, Secretary of the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about where we are in the convention cycle, including the details for nominations across various synodical positions, the offices nominations are being sought for, how nominations are submitted, and encouragement for nominations. Visit lcms.org/nominate for nominations and documents, and lcms.org/convention/governance for convention overtures. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org . Today’s episode of The Coffee Hour is underwritten in part by Concordia University, Irvine. You can learn more about Concordia University, Irvine at cui.edu .…

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Sharper Iron — A Kingdom Divided – 2 Kings 6:1-33: A Floating Ax Head and Chariots of Fire

15 hours ago

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https://kfuo-od.streamguys1.com/recast/sharper-iron/20250616104657-2025-06-16_SI.mp3 Download Audio File The LORD continues to work through the prophet Elisha in Israel. A sunken ax head is not too small for the LORD’s attention, as the prophet restores this valuable possession to one of the sons of the prophets. When the king of Syria learns that Elisha is behind the foiled attempts to raid Israel, the Syrian king foolishly thinks he can capture the LORD’s prophet. The LORD allows Elisha’s servant to see the angelic army protecting Elisha from the Syrian army. Nonetheless, the LORD shows mercy upon those who intend His prophet harm, and He delivers His people from the Syrian threat for a time. Rev. Andy Wright, pastor at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 6:1-33. To learn more about St. John’s, visit www.stjohnlcmstopeka.org . “A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron , hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund. Together in faith, LCEF helps to start, sustain and strengthen LCMS ministries through financial and strategic partnerships. Visit lcef.org . 2 Kings 6:1-33 The Axe Head Recovered 6 Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “See, the place where we dwell under your charge is too small for us. 2 Let us go to the Jordan and each of us get there a log, and let us make a place for us to dwell there.” And he answered, “Go.” 3 Then one of them said, “Be pleased to go with your servants.” And he answered, “I will go.” 4 So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. 5 But as one was felling a log, his axe head fell into the water, and he cried out, “Alas, my master! It was borrowed.” 6 Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there and made the iron float. 7 And he said, “Take it up.” So he reached out his hand and took it. Horses and Chariots of Fire 8 Once when the king of Syria was warring against Israel, he took counsel with his servants, saying, “At such and such a place shall be my camp.” 9 But the man of God sent word to the king of Israel, “Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are going down there.” 10 And the king of Israel sent to the place about which the man of God told him. Thus he used to warn him, so that he saved himself there more than once or twice. 11 And the mind of the king of Syria was greatly troubled because of this thing, and he called his servants and said to them, “Will you not show me who of us is for the king of Israel?” 12 And one of his servants said, “None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.” 13 And he said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send and seize him.” It was told him, “Behold, he is in Dothan.” 14 So he sent there horses and chariots and a great army, and they came by night and surrounded the city. 15 When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” 16 He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord , please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 18 And when the Syrians came down against him, Elisha prayed to the Lord and said, “Please strike this people with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness in accordance with the prayer of Elisha. 19 And Elisha said to them, “This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek.” And he led them to Samaria. 20 As soon as they entered Samaria, Elisha said, “O Lord , open the eyes of these men, that they may see.” So the Lord opened their eyes and they saw, and behold, they were in the midst of Samaria. 21 As soon as the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, “My father, shall I strike them down? Shall I strike them down?” 22 He answered, “You shall not strike them down. Would you strike down those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.” 23 So he prepared for them a great feast, and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. And the Syrians did not come again on raids into the land of Israel. Ben-hadad’s Siege of Samaria 24 Afterward Ben-hadad king of Syria mustered his entire army and went up and besieged Samaria. 25 And there was a great famine in Samaria, as they besieged it, until a donkey’s head was sold for eighty shekels of silver, and the fourth part of a kab [ a ] of dove’s dung for five shekels of silver. 26 Now as the king of Israel was passing by on the wall, a woman cried out to him, saying, “Help, my lord, O king!” 27 And he said, “If the Lord will not help you, how shall I help you? From the threshing floor, or from the winepress?” 28 And the king asked her, “What is your trouble?” She answered, “This woman said to me, ‘Give your son, that we may eat him today, and we will eat my son tomorrow.’ 29 So we boiled my son and ate him. And on the next day I said to her, ‘Give your son, that we may eat him.’ But she has hidden her son.” 30 When the king heard the words of the woman, he tore his clothes—now he was passing by on the wall—and the people looked, and behold, he had sackcloth beneath on his body— 31 and he said, “May God do so to me and more also, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat remains on his shoulders today.” 32 Elisha was sitting in his house, and the elders were sitting with him. Now the king had dispatched a man from his presence, but before the messenger arrived Elisha said to the elders, “Do you see how this murderer has sent to take off my head? Look, when the messenger comes, shut the door and hold the door fast against him. Is not the sound of his master’s feet behind him?” 33 And while he was still speaking with them, the messenger came down to him and said, “This trouble is from the Lord ! Why should I wait for the Lord any longer?” Read full chapter Footnotes 2 Kings 6:25 A shekel was about 2/5 ounce or 11 grams; a kab was about 1 quart or 1 liter English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org…

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Oratio: For God So Loved

16 hours ago

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https://kfuo-od.streamguys1.com/recast/oratio/20250616104002-2025-06-16_OR.mp3 Download Audio File Rev. Kenneth Bomberger gives today’s prayerful thought based on the day’s Scripture readings. Begin your morning in word and prayer with Rev. Kenneth Bomberger, who shares scripture, hymns, prayers, and texts for the day, and also gives a short meditation on the day’s scripture lessons. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org…

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Morning Prayer Sermonette: John 16:1-16

17 hours ago

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https://kfuo-od.streamguys1.com/recast/morning-prayer/20250616103432-MP_Jun_16.mp3 Download Audio File Today’s sermonette based on John 16:1-16 is given by Rev. Jason Wolter. This is a rebroadcast from June 16, 2016. Hear a guest pastor give a short sermonette based on the day’s Daily Lectionary New Testament text during Morning and Evening Prayer. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org…

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St. Paul’s Des Peres Bible Study — Matthew 9:1-16

1 day ago

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https://kfuo-od.streamguys1.com/recast/stpaul-des-peres-bible-study/20250616102300-2025-06-15_SPBS.mp3 Download Audio File Pastor David Smith leads a study on Matthew 9:1-16. Join the pastors and people of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Des Peres, MO, for weekly Bible study on Sunday mornings. Learn more about St. Paul’s Des Peres at stpaulsdesperes.org . Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org .…

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Concord Matters — The Large Catechism: Longer Preface

3 days ago

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https://kfuo-od.streamguys1.com/recast/concord-matters/20250613105034-2025-06-14_CM.mp3 Download Audio File Martin Luther wrote the Large Catechism for the sake of families teaching the faith in the home and for pastors to faithfully preach the Word. While reading and reciting the small catechism is beneficial to learn the basics of the faith, it is also edifying for as we receive the Holy Spirit by God’s Word, protection against Satan, and following the will of God. Dr. Ryan Macpherson, Academic Dean of Luther Classical College in Casper, Wyoming, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to begin our study on the Large Catechism. To learn more about Luther Classical College, visit lutherclassical.org . Find your copy of the Book of Concord – Concordia Reader’s Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org . Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org .…

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Wrestling With the Basics — A New Heaven & New Earth

3 days ago

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https://kfuo-od.streamguys1.com/recast/wrestling-with-the-basics/20250613104627-2025-06-14_WWB.mp3 Download Audio File This week’s program looks at Revelation 21. How can we have a world where there is no pain or sorrow? Get ready to chuckle or even chortle with Pastor “Jolly” John Lukomski and Pastor Matt “Youngblood” Clark as they take a humorous approach to Bible Study. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org…

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Thy Strong Word — Genesis 39: “The LORD was with Joseph”

4 days ago

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https://kfuo-od.streamguys1.com/recast/thy-strong-word/20250613121248-2025-06-13_TSW.mp3 Download Audio File Joseph’s life in Egypt begins in forced servitude, yet even in a foreign land and in the house of Potiphar, an Egyptian official, something extraordinary happens: “The Lord was with Joseph.” His integrity, skill, and God-given favor cause him to rise, and things are going well until temptation strikes. Potiphar’s wife tries to seduce him, and when Joseph refuses her advances out of fear of sinning against God, she falsely accuses him. Thrown into prison for doing the right thing, Joseph could have given in to despair. But once again, Scripture reminds us: “The Lord was with him.” The Rev. Robert Smith, pastor emeritus in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 39. Genesis isn’t just the start of the Bible; it’s the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you’ve read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. Thy Strong Word , hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org . Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation . Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org. Genesis 39 Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife 39 Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt, and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, had bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there. 2 The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands. 4 So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had. 5 From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had, the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had, in house and field. 6 So he left all that he had in Joseph’s charge, and because of him he had no concern about anything but the food he ate. Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. 7 And after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, “Lie with me.” 8 But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge. 9 He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” 10 And as she spoke to Joseph day after day, he would not listen to her, to lie beside her or to be with her. 11 But one day, when he went into the house to do his work and none of the men of the house was there in the house, 12 she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house. 13 And as soon as she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled out of the house, 14 she called to the men of her household and said to them, “See, he has brought among us a Hebrew to laugh at us. He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a loud voice. 15 And as soon as he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried out, he left his garment beside me and fled and got out of the house.” 16 Then she laid up his garment by her until his master came home, 17 and she told him the same story, saying, “The Hebrew servant, whom you have brought among us, came in to me to laugh at me. 18 But as soon as I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment beside me and fled out of the house.” 19 As soon as his master heard the words that his wife spoke to him, “This is the way your servant treated me,” his anger was kindled. 20 And Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined, and he was there in prison. 21 But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22 And the keeper of the prison put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners who were in the prison. Whatever was done there, he was the one who did it. 23 The keeper of the prison paid no attention to anything that was in Joseph’s charge, because the Lord was with him. And whatever he did, the Lord made it succeed. English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org…

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{The Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge} Bri’s Radio Theatre: Jonah & The Whale

4 days ago

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https://kfuo-od.streamguys1.com/recast/lutheran-ladies-lounge/20250613124340-LLL_Ep298.mp3 Download Audio File The sun is out, boats are on the water, fish are jumping, and the beach is calling. It’s the perfect time to revisit one of the Bible’s most memorable water-based narratives: the story of Jonah. Welcoming former co-host Bri Gerzevske back once again for another hilarious installment of Bri’s Radio Theatre, Sarah, Erin, and Rachel are jumping feet-first with her into the briny deep. How will Captain Trish handle the runaway prophet on board her ship? What will the Ninevites do when they hear Jonah’s message of doom and gloom? Will Jonah ever learn what God wants to teach him? And what does this all have to do with the death and resurrection of Jesus? Disclaimer: This episode is satire, Trish is a fictional character, and we already know our script probably wouldn’t pass LCMS Doctrinal Review on the first try. Enjoy. Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge Facebook discussion group ( facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge ) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge . Follow Sarah ( @hymnnerd ), Rachel ( @rachbomberger ), and Erin ( @erinaltered ) on Instagram! Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge monthly e-newsletter here , and email the Ladies at lutheranladies@kfuo.org . The Lutheran Ladies Lounge is the podcast produced by KFUO Radio and hosted by Sarah Gulseth, Erin Alter, and Rachel Bomberger. Created for Lutheran ladies to have a place to escape to with inviting conversations, laughter, and fellowship with Lutheran sisters, we invite all of you Lutheran ladies to join Sarah, Erin, and Rachel on the sofa in the Lutheran Ladies Lounge to sit, rest your feet, and stay a while. If you’re a Lutheran lady, join us in our Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge .…

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Daily Chapel — Rev. Stephen Heimer on Acts 2:22-28

4 days ago

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https://kfuo-od.streamguys1.com/recast/chapel/20250613115111-2025-06-13_Chapel.mp3 Download Audio File Rev. Stephen Heimer gives today’s sermon based on Acts 2:22-28. >> The broadcast of chapel services is brought to you by LCMS International Mission and Ministry to Armed Forces. >> Learn more at international.lcms.org and lcms.org/armedforces . >> To learn more about long and short-term opportunities to serve, visit servenow.lcms.org . Tune in weekdays at 10:00 a.m. CT to hear daily chapel services from the LCMS International Center. Find service information including the lectionary, hymn, and homilist for the day at kfuo.org/daily-chapel-schedule .…

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The Coffee Hour — Set Apart to Serve: Church Worker Formation as Culture

4 days ago

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https://kfuo-od.streamguys1.com/recast/coffee-hour/20250613095221-2025-06-13_CH.mp3 Download Audio File How is church worker formation cemented as culture in the church? The Rev. Dr. Mike Von Behren (President of the LCMS Northwest District and Regent at Concordia University Irvine) and the Rev. Dr. Bill Harmon (President of the LCMS Southeastern District and Assistant Pastor of King of Glory Lutheran Church in Williamsburg, VA) join Andy for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about their journeys to becoming pastors and then District Presidents, their chief duties as a District President, what each of their districts are doing to form and recruit church workers and why this work is so important to each of them, and what they think will cement church worker formation and recruitment into the culture of our LCMS congregations, schools, districts, and entities. Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org . Today’s episode of The Coffee Hour is underwritten in part by Concordia University, Nebraska. You can learn more about Concordia University, Nebraska at cune.edu…

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Sharper Iron — A Kingdom Divided – 2 Kings 5:1-27: Washed with Water and Word

4 days ago

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https://kfuo-od.streamguys1.com/recast/sharper-iron/20250613093946-2025-06-13_SI.mp3 Download Audio File The LORD cares not only for Israel; He cares for all the nations. That’s why He places His Word in the mouth of a little Israelite slave girl to her master Naaman that healing is available for his leprosy if he goes to the prophet of the true God. The king of Israel knows his own limitations, but Elisha knows the power of God’s Word. Elisha therefore sends Naaman to wash seven times in the Jordan River with the LORD’s promise that Naaman will be healed. Naaman’s servants cut through their master’s anger to point him to the greatness of God’s Word, and by that great Word of God, Naaman receives full cleansing and health. Naaman’s faith in the LORD contrasts with Gehazi’s greed, and the leprosy of Naaman comes upon the unfaithful servant of Elisha. Rev. Brady Finnern, president of the Minnesota North District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 5:1-27. “A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron , hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund. Together in faith, LCEF helps to start, sustain and strengthen LCMS ministries through financial and strategic partnerships. Visit lcef.org . 2 Kings 5:1-27 Naaman Healed of Leprosy 5 Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. [ a ] 2 Now the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little girl from the land of Israel, and she worked in the service of Naaman’s wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” 4 So Naaman went in and told his lord, “Thus and so spoke the girl from the land of Israel.” 5 And the king of Syria said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” So he went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels [ b ] of gold, and ten changes of clothing. 6 And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which read, “When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you Naaman my servant, that you may cure him of his leprosy.” 7 And when the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Only consider, and see how he is seeking a quarrel with me.” 8 But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent to the king, saying, “Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come now to me, that he may know that there is a prophet in Israel.” 9 So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. 10 And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.” 11 But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper. 12 Are not Abana [ c ] and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. 13 But his servants came near and said to him, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” 14 So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. Gehazi’s Greed and Punishment 15 Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and he came and stood before him. And he said, “Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel; so accept now a present from your servant.” 16 But he said, “As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused. 17 Then Naaman said, “If not, please let there be given to your servant two mule loads of earth, for from now on your servant will not offer burnt offering or sacrifice to any god but the Lord . 18 In this matter may the Lord pardon your servant: when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, leaning on my arm, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, when I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, the Lord pardon your servant in this matter.” 19 He said to him, “Go in peace.” But when Naaman had gone from him a short distance, 20 Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “See, my master has spared this Naaman the Syrian, in not accepting from his hand what he brought. As the Lord lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” 21 So Gehazi followed Naaman. And when Naaman saw someone running after him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and said, “Is all well?” 22 And he said, “All is well. My master has sent me to say, ‘There have just now come to me from the hill country of Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets. Please give them a talent of silver and two changes of clothing.’” 23 And Naaman said, “Be pleased to accept two talents.” And he urged him and tied up two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of clothing, and laid them on two of his servants. And they carried them before Gehazi. 24 And when he came to the hill, he took them from their hand and put them in the house, and he sent the men away, and they departed. 25 He went in and stood before his master, and Elisha said to him, “Where have you been, Gehazi?” And he said, “Your servant went nowhere.” 26 But he said to him, “Did not my heart go when the man turned from his chariot to meet you? Was it a time to accept money and garments, olive orchards and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male servants and female servants? 27 Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your descendants forever.” So he went out from his presence a leper, like snow. Footnotes 2 Kings 5:1 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13 2 Kings 5:5 A talent was about 75 pounds or 34 kilograms; a shekel was about 2/5 ounce or 11 grams 2 Kings 5:12 Or Amana English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org…

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