Best Thy Stong Word Podcasts (2025)

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Luke 1:26-39; Matthew 2:22-23 57:18

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2h ago57:18

57:18

For seven centuries, the promise of Immanuel (God with us) born to a virgin seemed forgotten. In part 2 of our special 12-part series, the silence breaks: not in a royal palace, but in the backwater town of Nazareth. The angel Gabriel announces that the wait is over to a young virgin, Mary, who will conceive by the Holy Spirit, ultimately fulfillin…

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Isaiah 7:1-17 (The Virgin Will Bear a Son) 55:15

1d ago55:15

55:15

When King Ahaz faced the terrifying prospect of war, his heart shook "as the trees of the forest shake before the wind." Desperate for security, he sought political alliances rather than divine promises. But God’s answer to national crisis wasn't a military strategy; it was a child, born of a Virgin—Immanuel. In part 1 of a special 12-part series c…

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Free-Text First Friday: Headlines—Advent Edition 55:54

4d ago55:54

55:54

This special Advent edition of “Headlines” features three rounds of Advent and Christmas-themed news stories, with two fabricated by the host and one real headline. The guest’s challenge is to identify the real story, which serves as a springboard for a deeper theological discussion. The conversation weaves together humor, insight, and reflections …

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Malachi 3:6-4:6: The Day of the Lord and the Return of Elijah 55:15

5d ago55:15

55:15

God confronts His people's unfaithfulness, "Will a man rob God?" He calls them to return, promising blessings. The book of Malachi closes with a final, stark warning of the "great and awesome day of the LORD," a day of judgment (fire) for the wicked and healing for the righteous. It ends with the prophecy of Elijah's return to turn the hearts of th…

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Malachi 2:1-3:5: Unfaithful Priests Weary the Lord 53:46

6d ago53:46

53:46

The Lord’s warning to the priests becomes severe as He condemns them for despising His name and offering defiled sacrifices. Their unfaithfulness has corrupted the covenant of Levi. Malachi then addresses the people's faithlessness and their casual approach to divorce. God is "wearied" by their sin, and He promises to send His messenger to purify H…

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Malachi 1:1-14: Great is the Lord Beyond the Border of Israel! 56:56

7d ago56:56

56:56

The final book of the Old Testament opens with God's passionate declaration of His unique love for Israel ("Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated"). Yet this loved people, particularly the priests, have dishonored Him. They offer blind, lame, and sick animals, a "polluted" worship they would never offer their governor. God rejects their blemished offerin…

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Matthew 28:1-20: Resurrection: Long Live the King of Kings! 58:52

8d ago58:52

58:52

The Gospel of Matthew concludes with a spectacular display of God’s ultimate power and authority over death and the grave. Jesus, who was once dead, now lives, having raised himself from the grave. An angel scares away the guards and gives the women at the tomb great news as they look for Jesus’ body: "He is not here, for he has risen." Jesus then …

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Matthew 27:27-66: Crucifixion: The King of Kings is Dead 59:12

11d ago59:12

59:12

Kings don’t die like this. Kings die in palaces, surrounded by honor, not naked and nailed to a Roman cross between criminals. Kings wear golden crowns, not thorns. Yet in Matthew 27, the “King of the Jews” is stripped, spat upon, mocked, and crucified. As Jesus’ spirit departed his body, the temple veil is torn in two, earthquakes shook the land, …

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Matthew 27:1-26: Jesus Before Pilate 58:26

12d ago58:26

58:26

After Judas's remorseful and tragic suicide for the role he played in betraying the Messiah, Jesus is dragged before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate finds no fault in Him, but he is trapped between his conscience and the crowd. In a moment of political expedience, Pilate offers them Barabbas, a notorious criminal, likely in hopes that he…

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Matthew 26:57-75: Jesus’ Trial and Peter’s Denial 55:13

13d ago55:13

55:13

Jesus is led to a sham, and likely illegal, trial before the high priest Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, who seek false testimony to execute Him. He remains silent until He is put under oath and makes this divine claim: "you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power." Hope for those who believe, these words are “blasphemy” in the eyes o…

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Matthew 26:31-56: “Not as I Will, But as You Will” 55:34

14d ago55:34

55:34

On the Mount of Olives, Jesus foretells Peter's denial before entering the crushing agony of Gethsemane. He prays, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me," yet submits perfectly: "nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." His disciples sleep as His anguish deepens. The scene is shattered by the arrival of Judas, who betrays t…

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Matthew 26:1-30: Love is Never Wasted 57:17

15d ago57:17

57:17

As the Passover approaches, the plot to kill Jesus solidifies. A woman anoints Him with expensive ointment, an act the disciples see as waste, but Jesus commends as a proper preparation for his upcoming death and burial. This contrasts with Judas, who has agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. At the Last Supper, Jesus institutes the S…

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Matthew 25:31-46: Sheep and Goats: Who Is My Neighbor? 55:13

18d ago55:13

55:13

Jesus offers His final, apocalyptic teaching before His passion: the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. The Son of Man sits on His glorious throne and separates all nations. The righteous "sheep" are welcomed into the kingdom because of their faith, illustrated by their unconscious acts of mercy. The cursed "goats" are sent to eternal fire for the…

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Matthew 24:36-25:30: You Know Neither the Day nor the Hour 56:50

19d ago56:50

56:50

The exact day and hour of the end is unknown to all but the Father. But what we do know, Jesus tells us: His return will be sudden, like the flood in Noah's day, and when it arrives time will have run out. Jesus then gives two parables: the Ten Virgins, where only those ready with oil are allowed into the feast, and the Talents, where servants are …

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Matthew 24:1-35: The Gospel Precedes the End 54:10

20d ago54:10

54:10

As Jesus leaves the temple, He prophesies its complete destruction, sparking the disciples' questions about the end of the age. Jesus responds with the Olivet Discourse, a dense prophecy of "birth pains": false messiahs, wars, famines, and the "abomination of desolation." He warns of intense persecution but promises that "the one who endures to the…

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Matthew 23:1-39: Seven Woes Against the Pharisees 57:40

21d ago57:40

57:40

Jesus unleashes a powerful and damning critique against the scribes and Pharisees. He warns the crowds not to follow their hypocrisy, their love of human glory and honor, and the heavy burdens they lay on others. He pronounces "Seven Woes," condemning them as "whitewashed tombs" and "blind guides" who "strain out a gnat and swallow a camel." The ch…

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Matthew 22:23-46: The Sadducees are Sad, You See. 56:14

22d ago56:14

56:14

The confrontations continue as the Sadducees, who deny the resurrection, pose a ridiculous question about a woman with seven husbands. Jesus silences them, proving the resurrection from the books of Moses (the only Scripture they obey). A lawyer then tests Jesus, asking for the "greatest commandment." Jesus responds with the Shema and the command t…

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Matthew 22:1-22: Jesus, Must We Pay Taxes? 56:48

25d ago56:48

56:48

Jesus tells another parable of judgment: the Parable of the Wedding Feast. Those first invited refuse to come and eventually even attack and murder the king's servants. The king destroys them and opens the feast to "both bad and good" from the streets. But, curiously, a man without a wedding garment is cast out. Why? Then, the Pharisees and Herodia…

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Matthew 21:23-46: Jesus’ Authority Is Questioned...Again! 53:13

26d ago53:13

53:13

The chief priests and elders challenge Jesus's authority in the temple. Jesus counters with a question about John's baptism that they cannot answer. He then tells two parables of judgment against them: the Parable of the Two Sons and the Parable of the Wicked Tenants. Jesus concludes this discourse with a stark warning to the Jewish leaders who saw…

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Matthew 21:1-22: WWJD? Whip the Temple into Shape 53:51

27d ago53:51

53:51

Jesus enters Jerusalem as a humble king, riding on a donkey in fulfillment of Zechariah's prophecy, as crowds shout "Hosanna!" He immediately goes to the temple and cleanses it by force. He turns over the tables and cracks a whip while driving out the moneychangers and declaring, "My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you make it a den of…

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Matthew 20:17-34: Third Passion Prediction and Servant Leadership 56:55

28d ago56:55

56:55

For the third time, Jesus explicitly tells His disciples He will be betrayed, condemned, mocked, flogged, and crucified, but raised on the third day. Immediately after he reminds his disciples of this, the mother of James and John asks for her sons to sit at His right and left in the kingdom. Jesus uses this "theology of glory" moment to teach the …

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Matthew 20:1-16: Parable of the Vineyard Workers 56:30

29d ago56:30

56:30

Why do we resent grace? In the Parable of the Vineyard Workers, a landowner pays workers hired at the eleventh hour the same wage as those who toiled all day. Seeing this as an "injustice" reveals our own works-righteous hearts. But make no mistake: Jesus’ parable is not about fair wages; it's about the radical, unmerited generosity of God. The Gos…

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Free-Text First Friday: Autism and Faith 58:32

1M ago58:32

58:32

On this "Free-Text First Friday" episode of Thy Strong Word, Pastor Booe welcomes the Rev. Ricky Beckett, a Hospice Chaplain, for an honest and insightful discussion on "Autism and Faith." Chaplain Beckett shares his personal experience as an autistic pastor whose diagnosis came late in life, exploring the profound challenges of navigating neurotyp…

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Matthew 19:13-30: “Who Then Can Be Saved?” 56:33

1M ago56:33

56:33

What is the nature of saving faith? Jesus first holds up a child as the model, declaring that the kingdom belongs to those who come with humble, dependent trust. Then, a rich young ruler asks, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" He believes he has kept all the commandments, but Jesus exposes his true idol, and the man walks away in sorrow. Th…

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Matthew 19:1-12: Let No Man Put Asunder 55:51

1M ago55:51

55:51

“Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause?” This question from the Pharisees was a trap, designed to force Jesus into a divisive rabbinic debate in a politically dangerous territory. Jesus’ powerful answer remains relevant in our own culture, which is rife with no-fault divorce and the legal redefinition of marriage itself. Jesus ra…

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Matthew 18: (11), 12-35: Is There a Limit to Forgiveness? 57:23

1M ago57:23

57:23

The Parable of the Lost Sheep reveals the Father’s passionate heart to pursue even one straying believer. This love and grace motivate Jesus’ command on how to "gain your brother" when sin divides. When Peter asks about the limits of this forgiveness, the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant provides a stark contrast: God's infinite debt-canceling gr…

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Matthew 18:1-10: Honor in Humility, Greatness in Grace 57:12

1M ago57:12

57:12

The disciples ask Jesus, "Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?" They were looking to hear about their own future power and status. Instead, Jesus shatters their expectations by placing a child in their midst and says that those who are great in God’s Kingdom are those with a humble, child-like dependence and trust in Him. He then issues a …

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Matthew 17:1-27: Transfiguration on the Mountain and Healing Miracles 59:48

1M ago59:48

59:48

On the mountain, Peter, James, and John are given a glimpse of Jesus’ unveiled divine glory. They see Him with Moses and Elijah, showing that the Law and the Prophets point to Christ. As the Father commands, "Listen to him," Jesus is revealed as the fulfillment and final Word. This glimpse of divinity is paired with His earthly authority as He heal…

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Matthew 16:13-28: Get Thee Behind Me, Satan! 55:09

1M ago55:09

55:09

Peter makes the great confession: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus declares this truth is a divine revelation, and this confession is the rock upon which His Church is built. But when Peter rejects a suffering Messiah, Jesus’ rebuke—"Get behind me, Satan!"—teaches that a theology of glory without the cross is a satanic temptat…

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Matthew 15:29-16:12: Pharisees See Signs and Demand More 55:17

1M ago55:17

55:17

Jesus shows His divine compassion again when he heals the multitudes and feeds four thousand. Despite these clear signs of Jesus being the Christ, the Pharisees demand another, revealing their hardened unbelief. Jesus promises no sign but the "sign of Jonah,” which is a prophecy of His death and resurrection. He warns His disciples against the "lea…

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Matthew 15:1-28: Even the Dogs 57:04

1M ago57:04

57:04

Jesus confronts the Pharisees’ traditions, showing they use them to disobey God’s commands. He teaches that true defilement comes from sin within the heart, not from external things. Immediately after, a Canaanite woman, a Gentile with no claim to God’s promises, abandons any merit of her own and clings solely to Christ's mercy. Her persistent fait…

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Matthew 14:1-36: Herod the Fearful & Jesus the Loving 56:53

1M ago56:53

56:53

A stark contrast is drawn between two kings. Herod, a slave to his lust and fear, murders John the Baptist. The true King, Jesus, reveals His divine compassion and power. He provides for the lost sheep of Israel and the crowds that followed him in the feeding of the five thousand, a foretaste of the Heavenly Banquet to come. Jesus then demonstrates…

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Matthew 13:44-58: Treasure, Pearls, and a Rejected Prophet 1:01:02

2M ago1:01:02

1:01:02

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure of infinite worth. Jesus’ parables reveal the supreme value of Christ and His Gospel; He is the treasure who gave up everything to purchase the field (the world) for the sake of His people. When Jesus offers up this priceless treasure, he is rejected in His own hometown, a stark reminder that the saving powe…

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Matthew 13:24-43: The Church Visible and Invisible 55:53

2M ago55:53

55:53

Jesus describes the hidden, mysterious nature of His Kingdom. It grows from the smallest of beginnings to become a refuge for all, yet the Church on earth will always be a mixed body of believers and hypocrites. Jesus makes clear that the work of separating them belongs to the angels at the end of the age, not to men. These parables comfort the Chu…

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Matthew 13:1-23: Parable of the Sower 55:10

2M ago55:10

55:10

Jesus explains why the Gospel yields such different results through the Parable of the Sower. The focus is not on the quality of the soil (the human heart), but on the life-creating power of the Seed, which is the Word of God. The parable shows how this powerful Word is received or rejected in a fallen world, revealing that where faith takes root, …

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Matthew 12:22-50: The Unforgivable Sin 55:20

2M ago55:20

55:20

When Jesus heals a demon-possessed man, the Pharisees accuse Him of working for Satan. This is a willful rejection of the Holy Spirit's testimony about the Son. Jesus warns that this unpardonable sin is the final, hardened refusal to see God’s saving work in Christ. He then reveals that His true family is not defined by blood but is created by God …

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Matthew 12:1-21: Lord of the Sabbath 55:03

2M ago55:03

55:03

Who has the right to define God's Law? In this explosive confrontation, Jesus makes the ultimate claim: He is Lord of the Sabbath, possessing an authority greater than the Temple itself. This isn't an argument for breaking rules, but a revelation of who He is. He is the one to whom all Scripture points, the gentle Servant who fulfills the Law perfe…

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Matthew 11: Is Jesus Really the Christ? 56:03

2M ago56:03

56:03

What happens when even the most certain faith is shaken by doubt? John the Baptizer, the forerunner of Christ who boldly proclaimed the coming of the Lamb of God, now sits in a cold prison cell. From the darkness of his dungeon, he sends his disciples to Jesus with a desperate, soul-searching question: "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we l…

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Matthew 10:26-42: Don’t Fear: The Worst They Can Do is Kill You 56:10

2M ago56:10

56:10

We all want peace with others, especially family. At Thanksgiving, we avoid certain topics. We bite our tongues during arguments. We compromise our witness, don’t we? In this section, Jesus walks in and says something shocking: "I have not come to bring peace, but a sword." He doubles down, too, saying His Gospel will divide father and son, mother …

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Matthew 10:1-25: As Sheep Among Wolves 57:13

2M ago57:13

57:13

Jesus commissions his twelve disciples and sends them out with power to heal and proclaim the kingdom. But this isn't a feel-good pep talk. He equips them with authority, gives them clear instructions to travel light and depend on God's provision, and then tells them exactly what to expect: rejection, persecution, family betrayal, and trials. Yet h…

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Matthew 9:14-38: Spiritual Triage and Jesus’ Compassion 55:58

2M ago55:58

55:58

Jesus faces tough questions about His ministry, raises a young girl from the dead, and heals those who reach out to Him in desperate faith. But the passage culminates with something even more powerful: Jesus looking at the crowds with deep compassion and declaring that the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. We'll explore what it means t…

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Matthew 8:23-9:13: Stormy Seas, Spirits, Sinners, and Skepticism 57:02

2M ago57:02

57:02

In this episode, Matthew bears witness to the many ways Jesus reveals Himself as God. Jesus calms a storm that leaves even seasoned fishermen terrified. He confronts a legion of demons in Gentile territory and is then begged to leave by the frightened locals. Returning home, Jesus heals a paralyzed man in full view of skeptical religious leaders, d…

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Matthew 8:1-22: The Messiah’s Mysterious Mission 52:43

2M ago52:43

52:43

Jesus descends from the mountain straight into a whirlwind of miracles: a leper made clean with a touch, a Roman centurion whose faith amazes even Christ, and demons fleeing at His word. Yet when eager followers promise to follow Him anywhere, Jesus warns them that foxes have holes and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His hea…

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Matthew 7:1-29: Not Everyone Who Says “Lord, Lord...” 54:56

2M ago54:56

54:56

Jesus warns against judging others while blind to our own sins. He teaches about the narrow gate that few will find and exposes false prophets who come as wolves in sheep's clothing. The Sermon concludes with two builders: one whose house on rock weathers the storm, another whose house on sand collapses completely. When Jesus finishes, the crowds a…

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Matthew 6:19-34: Don’t Worry, Be Holy 59:56

2M ago59:56

59:56

Where's your treasure? Jesus exposes our divided hearts, warning that we cannot serve both God and money. Then He turns to our anxious minds, pointing to birds who don't sow yet are fed and lilies that outshine Solomon without spinning a thread. Seek first His kingdom, Jesus promises, and everything else falls into place. The Hon. Rev. Scot Kerns, …

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Matthew 6:1-18: Self-Serving Faith 1:01:12

2M ago1:01:12

1:01:12

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Matthew 5:21-48: “You Have Heard It Said, But I Say...” 57:21

2M ago57:21

57:21

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Free-Text Friday: Exit Strategy: Planning Your Funeral While You Still Can 59:51

2M ago59:51

59:51

Modern funerals increasingly look like Pinterest boards and social media tributes rather than Christian worship. How should believers think about death when it comes knocking? We'll explore why Christians need to write down their funeral wishes, what Scripture teaches about the intermediate state between death and resurrection, and why burial versu…

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Matthew 5: Jesus Preaches from the Mountain 48:19

2M ago48:19

48:19

Jesus sits on a mountainside and turns the world upside down: the poor are blessed, the meek inherit the earth, and persecution becomes cause for rejoicing. Christ calls His followers salt and light, then makes a shocking claim: He hasn't come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, and unless our righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees, we'll ne…

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Matthew 4: The Devil, the Desert, and the First Disciples 56:41

2M ago56:41

56:41

After forty days of fasting in the wilderness, Jesus faces three temptations from Satan and responds with Scripture alone. Following John's arrest, Jesus moves to Capernaum in Galilee to begin His public ministry, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy about light dawning in darkness. He calls four fishermen to follow Him and begins teaching in synagogues, p…