The Rev. Dr. Matt Richard, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minot, SD, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe for Free Text Friday.

In the paradise of Eden, Adam and Eve enjoyed an idyllic existence, at peace with God, nature, themselves, and each another. But this blissful harmony was shattered by their sin and rebellion which led to death, giving rise to guilt and fear that have enslaved mankind ever since. How does Christ’s redemption liberate us from this bondage, transforming us from slaves of fear into God’s own children? This episode compares and contrasts the life of spiritual slavery with the joyful freedom experienced as a baptized child of God.

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.