Bible Study

Bible Study: Lamentations

This week Pastors Tom Naumann and Nathanael Mayhew dig into the Old Testament book of Lamentations. Although the book does not name is writer, tradition holds that it was written by the prophet Jeremiah at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem in the 580's B.C. There are many parallels between Lamentations and the prophecy found in Jeremiah. The book is short, only 5 chapters, and records the "laments" or weeping of Jeremiah over the destruction of Jerusalem and the deportation of the people of Judah by the Babylonians. But it also mourns the sin of Judah which brought this judgment of God upon it. Still there is a glimmer of Hope, particularly in the middle of chapter 3, where Jeremiah places his confidence in the mercy of God which is "new every morning." Yes, even in tragedy and judgment, the LORD still would fulfill His promise and send a redeemer in the person of Jesus. Learn about all this and much more by listening to this overview of Lamentations.  

Bible Study - 2 Corinthians

In our Bible Study Pastors Tom Naumann and Nathanael Mayhew take us through a study of 2 Corinthians. This letter contains some of the most beautiful Gospel proclamations in all of Scripture. The emphasis is on God's strength in weakness, and Paul brings out this theme by focusing on a number of paradoxes including comfort through affliction, life through death, reconciliation through humiliation, and abundance through poverty. Our study will focus on these contrasts and encourage us to say with Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:10, "For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Bible Study - 1 Corinthians

Pastor Tom Naumann joins Nathanael Mayhew on Burden and Blessing to discuss Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. They dig into the background behind the letter, including what the city of Corinth was like and how the Christian congregation there started. This background is especially helpful in understanding some of the issues that Paul deals with in this letter. The city was a huge melting pot of different kinds of people who were both idolatrous and worldly. Matters of doctrine and instruction which Paul addresses in this letter include: unity in the church, sexual immorality, Christian marriage, and worship. In addition Paul gives valuable admonition and instruction on the Lord's Supper, spiritual gifts and the truth of the resurrection. We invite you to join us to learn more about this important and very applicable letter of Paul.   

Bible Study - The Sermons of the Book of Acts

In our Bible Study this week Pastors Nathanael Mayhew and Rob Sauers take us through a study of some of the sermons found in the book of Acts. The book of Acts contains twenty sermons or parts of sermons. These sermons provide us with examples of some of the emphases of those first messages. Those early discourses had a distinct Law/Gospel message and emphasis on Jesus’ resurrection much like our sermons do today. In our study, we’ll look at just a few of these sermons and observe how these first preachers were inspired to speak.

Bible Study - Acts

In our Bible Study, Pastors Nathanael Mayhew and Rob Sauers take us through a study of the book of Acts. This is certainly an appropriate book to study during the Easter season as it is the account of the aftermath of Jesus' resurrection. In fact, many churches replace the Old Testament reading with a reading from the book of Acts during Easter. This book is part two of Luke's Gospel in which he demonstrates how the Word of the Lord spread beginning "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8). The book is often referred to as the Acts of the Apostles, but as we'll see in our study, it would be better to call this book the Acts of the Holy Spirit as He really is the central figure. We pray that this study will be a blessing to you.

Bible Study - Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12

In our Bible Study on this Good Friday, Pastors Nathanael Mayhew and Rob Sauers take us through a study of a passage we often read this time of year - Isaiah 52:13 - Isaiah 53:12. This section of Scripture describes, in amazing detail 700 years before the events occurred, just what our Savior's suffering would be like. As we work through this passage, we're going to ask and answer a number of questions: Who is this talking about? What is being described? Why did these events have to happen? How does it all come together, and how does this all apply to us? We pray that our study will aid you as you meditate upon what our Savior suffered for us so many years ago on that first Good Friday and that you will be ever more assured that what He did on this day, He did for you to pay for every single one of your sins!

Bible Study - Hebrews

In today's Bible Study episode, Pastors Rob Sauers and Nathanael Mayhew take us through a study of the book of Hebrews. Hebrews is one of the more unique letters of the New Testament in that we do not know specifically who the author was, nor do we know the original audience. What we do know about the original audience is that they were Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and were wondering whether or not it was worth it to be a Christian. Again and again, the letter to the Hebrews emphasizes that it is, in fact, worth it to be a Christian. The letter does this by looking back, more than any other New Testament book, to the Old Testament and showing again and again how Christ is the fulfillment of all that was promised in the past. In our study of this letter, we will look at how the Old Testament ceremonial law points to and finds its fulfillment in Christ. We will look at some of the examples the letter gives us of the people through whom God brought about His plan of salvation. As we look at this, we will be encouraged by the fact that when God makes a promise, He fulfills His promise. We see this most clearly in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. We pray that as you listen to this study and read through the book on your own that you will be encouraged by the fact that Jesus is the perfect Savior from sin and the complete answer for our every need.

Bible Study - Leviticus 16

In this Bible Study episode, Pastor Neal Radichel is joined by Pastor Nathanael Mayhew to look at the Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16. They dig into this very important chapter which helps us understand the entire book of Leviticus and also sheds light on the purpose of the work of Jesus as the Christ. They take a look at a couple of important Bible words in this chapter: Atonement, Skape Goat, and Offering, explain the context of Leviticus 16 and what it meant for God's Old Testament people and what it means for us as New Testament Christians. You won't want to miss this impoant journey through Leviticus 16!

Bible Study - Exodus 3

Pastors Neal Radichel and Nathanael Mayhew dig into the Call of Moses recorded in Exodus chapters 3 and 4. In this study they review the preparation the LORD went through to prepare Moses for a specific task in the LORD's kingdom. But instead of being eager, Moses was reluctant and even opposed to serving the LORD. They will look at the excuses that Moses presents to the LORD, and the LORD's answer to each one. We will also see how like Moses we are in our own lives of service, as the LORD prepares us for service in His kingdom, but we often respond with doudt and reluctance. Lord, teach us thrgough this study to trust in You and to willingly serve You in Your kingdom with the gifts you so graciously bestow upon us!

BIble Study - Take up an Advent Adventure as a Soldier, Athlete, or Farmer

In today's Bible Study, Pastors Mark Tiefel and Neal Radichel take up a study of 2 Timothy 2:1-7 with a special focus on preparation during the Advent season. In this section, the Apostle Paul gives Timothy encouragement for carrying out his ministry by giving him three illustrations - a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer. As we unpack these illustrations, we'll see how this instruction also encourages us as we prepare for the coming of our Savior. May the Lord bless our study of His Word.