God speaks through the prophet Hosea, addressing Israel’s unfaithfulness in vivid imagery. He likens the nation to an unfaithful wife, chasing after false gods and forgetting the covenant with Him. Despite the people's betrayal, God warns of coming judgment, stripping away their prosperity and exposing their shame. Yet, underlying the harsh words is a call for repentance, as God desires to restore His people from their waywardness.

The Rev. Rick Jones, Chaplain and Vice President of Spiritual Life at the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Hosea 2:1-13.

Hosea tells the powerful story of a prophet commanded to marry an unfaithful woman, Gomer, as a living symbol of God’s boundless love for Israel despite its repeated betrayals. Through heartbreak and redemption, Hosea’s marriage becomes a vivid portrayal of how deeply God desires His people to return to Him, even when they chase after idols. Packed with raw emotion, prophetic warnings, and a message of divine mercy, this book captures God’s relentless pursuit and offers a stirring reminder that restoration is always possible—through Jesus--no matter how far one has wandered.

Get ready for the debut of "Headlines,” a fun and thought-provoking twist for Free-Text First Fridays. In this episode, the guest pastor faces the challenge of guessing which headline is real and which ones are the host's creations. Each round sparks deeper conversations about pressing issues in today's news and how the Bible offers guidance on them. This episode’s topics include environmentalism, mental health, artificial intelligence, and extraterrestrial life.

The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to play the headlines quiz and discuss the news from a biblical perspective.

The real articles featured in this episode:

https://www.euronews.com/green/2023/02/16/baby-kangaroo-poo-could-be-the-secret-to-stopping-cows-methane-farts-researchers-say

https://www.npr.org/2024/01/31/1228145269/elmo-therapist-asking-how-is-everybody-doing

https://www.indy100.com/science-tech/bronx-pregnant-ai-replika-app

https://www.newsweek.com/congressman-tim-burchett-ufo-technology-reverse-engineered-1786068

https://news.sky.com/story/venezuelas-president-nicolas-maduro-declares-christmas-to-begin-in-october-13209412

Hosea opens with the prophet being commanded by God to marry Gomer, a promiscuous woman, as a living symbol of Israel’s unfaithfulness. Their children are given prophetic names that reflect God’s judgment—signifying the broken relationship between God and His people. Yet even amid these harsh warnings of destruction and rejection, God hints at future restoration, promising that Israel will one day be called His people again.

The Rev. Dr. David Lewis, associate professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Seminary, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Hosea 1.

Hosea tells the powerful story of a prophet commanded to marry an unfaithful woman, Gomer, as a living symbol of God’s boundless love for Israel despite its repeated betrayals. Through heartbreak and redemption, Hosea’s marriage becomes a vivid portrayal of how deeply God desires His people to return to Him, even when they chase after idols. Packed with raw emotion, prophetic warnings, and a message of divine mercy, this book captures God’s relentless pursuit and offers a stirring reminder that restoration is always possible—through Jesus--no matter how far one has wandered.

Hosea tells the powerful story of a prophet commanded to marry an unfaithful woman, Gomer, as a living symbol of God’s boundless love for Israel despite its repeated betrayals. Through heartbreak and redemption, Hosea’s marriage becomes a vivid portrayal of how deeply God desires His people to return to Him, even when they chase after idols. Packed with raw emotion, prophetic warnings, and a message of divine mercy, this book captures God’s relentless pursuit and offers a stirring reminder that restoration is always possible—through Jesus—no matter how far one has wandered.

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: [email protected].

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.

A final, powerful vision of judgment and restoration unfolds as Amos reveals the fate of Israel. The message is clear: God's wrath is unavoidable, with no place for the guilty to hide. Yet, amid the destruction, a promise of hope emerges: the fallen house of David will be restored, and a time of abundance and peace will return. Amos’s prophecy ends with a striking blend of divine justice and mercy.

The Rev. Roger Mullet, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Buffalo, WY, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Amos 9.

Amos, a simple shepherd and fig tree farmer from Tekoa, was called by God to deliver a powerful message to Israel—a nation steeped in corruption, injustice, and complacency. Unlike the professional prophets of his time, Amos was an outsider, chosen to proclaim a divine warning against the moral decay and social inequalities that plagued the northern kingdom. Through vivid imagery and uncompromising language, Amos called out the wealthy elite for their exploitation of the poor, condemned the nation's empty religious practices, and foretold the impending judgment that would come if they did not repent.

The prophet Amos delivers a powerful vision of Israel's impending doom, symbolized by a basket of ripe fruit signifying that the nation's end is near. God declares that He will no longer overlook Israel's injustices, predicting a time of dark mourning and spiritual famine, where people will search in vain for His word.

The Rev. James Helms, Jr., pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Greenbelt, MD, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Amos 8.

Amos, a simple shepherd and fig tree farmer from Tekoa, was called by God to deliver a powerful message to Israel—a nation steeped in corruption, injustice, and complacency. Unlike the professional prophets of his time, Amos was an outsider, chosen to proclaim a divine warning against the moral decay and social inequalities that plagued the northern kingdom. Through vivid imagery and uncompromising language, Amos called out the wealthy elite for their exploitation of the poor, condemned the nation's empty religious practices, and foretold the impending judgment that would come if they did not repent.

The prophet receives visions of judgment—locusts, fire, and a plumb line—each symbolizing God's impending punishment on Israel. While Amos intercedes and God relents twice, the plumb line vision marks the point of no return. When Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, tries to silence Amos, he boldly declares God's judgment on Israel and Amaziah's household, affirming his divine calling and the inevitability of Israel's downfall due to their persistent sin.

The Rev. Dan Eddy, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Beloit, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Amos 6.

Amos, a simple shepherd and fig tree farmer from Tekoa, was called by God to deliver a powerful message to Israel—a nation steeped in corruption, injustice, and complacency. Unlike the professional prophets of his time, Amos was an outsider, chosen to proclaim a divine warning against the moral decay and social inequalities that plagued the northern kingdom. Through vivid imagery and uncompromising language, Amos called out the wealthy elite for their exploitation of the poor, condemned the nation's empty religious practices, and foretold the impending judgment that would come if they did not repent.

A powerful warning is issued to those who live in comfort and luxury while neglecting the suffering around them. Amos condemns the complacency of Israel's leaders, who bask in their wealth and security, ignoring the looming judgment. This chapter highlights the coming devastation as a consequence of their arrogance and the nation's moral decay. The message is clear: no amount of earthly power or privilege can shield one from divine justice.

The Rev. Matthew Tassey, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Shawnee, OK, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Amos 6.

Amos, a simple shepherd and fig tree farmer from Tekoa, was called by God to deliver a powerful message to Israel—a nation steeped in corruption, injustice, and complacency. Unlike the professional prophets of his time, Amos was an outsider, chosen to proclaim a divine warning against the moral decay and social inequalities that plagued the northern kingdom. Through vivid imagery and uncompromising language, Amos called out the wealthy elite for their exploitation of the poor, condemned the nation's empty religious practices, and foretold the impending judgment that would come if they did not repent.

Amos challenges the complacency of those who mistakenly believe that the Day of the Lord will bring them victory over their enemies. Instead, he warns of impending darkness and judgment due to their hypocrisy. Despite their religious festivals and offerings, God rejects their empty rituals because they neglect justice and righteousness. Amos urges the people to let justice flow like a mighty river, highlighting the futility of their false worship. This encourages us to reflect on our own worship to ensure we live out our faith in sincerity.

The Rev. Steven Cholak, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in Houston, TX, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Amos 5:18-27.

Amos, a simple shepherd and fig tree farmer from Tekoa, was called by God to deliver a powerful message to Israel—a nation steeped in corruption, injustice, and complacency. Unlike the professional prophets of his time, Amos was an outsider, chosen to proclaim a divine warning against the moral decay and social inequalities that plagued the northern kingdom. Through vivid imagery and uncompromising language, Amos called out the wealthy elite for their exploitation of the poor, condemned the nation's empty religious practices, and foretold the impending judgment that would come if they did not repent.

The prophet Amos delivers a stern warning to Israel in Amos 5, urging the people to seek the Lord and live, rather than continuing in their hollow rituals and unjust ways. Through vivid imagery and powerful indictments, Amos calls out the nation's corruption, idolatry, and complacency, warning that divine judgment is imminent unless true repentance is sought. This chapter challenges us to reflect on the authenticity of our own faith and the righteousness of our actions, as we are reminded that God's justice will not be compromised.

Amos, a simple shepherd and fig tree farmer from Tekoa, was called by God to deliver a powerful message to Israel—a nation steeped in corruption, injustice, and complacency. Unlike the professional prophets of his time, Amos was an outsider, chosen to proclaim a divine warning against the moral decay and social inequalities that plagued the northern kingdom. Through vivid imagery and uncompromising language, Amos called out the wealthy elite for their exploitation of the poor, condemned the nation's empty religious practices, and foretold the impending judgment that would come if they did not repent.