CPR

CPR - Stewardship

In this CPR episode, Pastors Neal Radichel and Mark Teifel discuss the topic of Christian stewardship.  Stewardship is how we make use of the gifts and abilities that God gives to each one of us.  God wants us to be good stewards or "caretakers" of all that He has given.  These things are not ours, but the Lord's, and He has entrusted them to us for a time to be used to and for His glory.  They will discuss stewarship in many areas of our lives and in using our time, talents and treasures. 

CPR - Why you should (and shouldn't) leave a church.

In this CPR episode, Pastors Mark Tiefel, Neal Radichel and Nathanael Mayhew all join together to discuss the topic of leaving a church.  Why would a person leave a church?  1) They are running from a church because they don't like what it is saying.  2) They don't agree with what a church teaches.  3) They are having a personality conflict with others in the church that they are running from.  When it comes to personality conflicts we are to forgive our brother and work toward resolving the issue.  When it comes to doctrine we are to avoid the false teaching immediately for the love of the truth.  God's Word is the standard, not our personalitites.  God doesn't tell us to try and change false teachers, he tells us to avoid false teachers, because false teaching is destructive.  We are speak the truth in love, Paul says (Ephesians 4:15).  Either way we should carry out what God would have us do in love toward those around us.  Join us for this valuable discussion. 

CPR - What to look for in a church.

In this CPR episode, Pastors Mark Tiefel, Neal Radichel and Nathanael Mayhew all join together to discuss the topic of Church Attendance and how to find a church home.  Why should we go to church?  In church the Lord offers sinners His forgiveness through His Word and Sacrament. So when we are looking for a church, we should be looking for a place where His Word is proclaimed in its truth, not based on how close it is to your home or the programs which are offered.  What about those who say "You don't have to go to church to worship God"?  We can see God in nature, but this is the natural knowledge of God which is limited and we need more than that.  We need to have God reveal what He has done with our problem of sin, and that is only found in His Word.  Consider this:  If we don't eat, we die.  The same is true for us spiritually.  If we don't feed our souls with the Word of God as Jesus says we should, we will die spiritually!  It isn't enough to THINK about eating food if we are starving.  We need to eat.  Similarly, it's not enough to think about going to church or reading God's Word. We need to feed on God's Word and receive His Sacraments to be spiritually sustained.  The true Church is about substance, not about style.  We shouldn't pick a church based on what we want it to be, but what God wants it to be.  That is what is important!  "Preach the Word!" Paul says.  The quality of what we take in is what is important.  It is easier in an earthly sense to go the big church that has many programs but offers no substance.  It is difficult to dig into God's Word and compare what a church teaches with what God says in His Word.  But it is very rewarding!  Finding a church isn't about the music, the programs, or even the pastor, but it is about how the church proclaims God's truth.  It is a lot of work to dig into the truth, but it is rewarding as we are pointed to Christ and the forgiveness He offers to us through the cross.

CPR - Baptism

In this episode, Pastors Neal Radichel and Nathanael Mayhew discuss the topic of Baptism.  They cover many topics related to the form and function of baptism from Scripture.  First, God reveals clearly that Baptism is not a work of human beings, but rather the work of God (Titus 3:5-8).  God is at work through water and His Word to wash away our sins.  They talk about "Believer's Baptism" the "Age of Accountability" and "Infant Baptism."  Children are sinful and have Original or Inherited Sin and are in need of the cleansing which God offers through baptism (Psalm 51:5; Acts 2:39).  Scripture also reveals that children can believe (Matthew 18:6).  God's work of faith is a miracle of His Grace, and it is no less a miracle in a child than in an adult.  Baptism, because it is an act of God and not depending on us, is a one-time act. There is no need to be rebaptized again and again because you have fallen into sin.  There is also a connection between Circumcision in the Old Testament and Baptism in the New Testament (Colossians 2:11-12) which point to the foundation for infant baptism.  Regarding the form of baptism they show that the idea of immersion in baptism is forced on the Biblical accounts of Matthew 3 and Acts 8 in particular.  The Greek word "Baptizo" means to "wash" and does not neccesitate washing by immersion.  What a blessing God has given to sinners through Baptism!     

CPR - ABORTION RIGHTS AND WRONGS!?!

In this episode, Pastors Mark Tiefel and Neal Radichel discuss everything from Abortion rights and Abortion "exceptions", as well as Bible quotations that shed light on life before and after birth and conception.  What kind of impact has Abortion had on our society?  How has Abortion affected relationships and a mother's responsibility?  What can a Christian or non-Christian recognize about the growing scientific evidense since the Supreme Court's ruling in the early 1970's?  What can an individual do in the wake of the political protests recently on Abortion throughout our nation?  Explore the depths of these questions in light of God's Word and the staggering effects we see of the choices on either side that are made today!

CPR - Don't Judge Me (Skeptic Series)

In this episode of Conservative Pastor Response Pastors Neal Radichel and Nathanael Mayhew take up a Skeptics approach to Judging others.  The phrase "Don't Judge Me" is heard by many Christians who seek to lead a friend or fellow believer out of sin.  In this episode they talk about the purpose of pointing out sin and the proper, God pleasing and even demanded judgment that we should carry out as Christians.  One passage that is often quoted is Matthew 7:1 where Jesus says: "Judge not, lest you be judged."  But the context of this verse shows that Christians are called to judge, but with righteous judgment and by first confessing one's own sin before pointing out the sin of another.  They will also discuss the account of the woman caught in adultery in John 8 as an example from Jesus Himself of proper Christian judgment.  May the Lord give us all wisdom and humility as we encourage and admonish one another in this sin-filled world!

CPR - Prayer

In this episode of Conservative Pastor Response Pastors Neal Radichel and Nathanael Mayhew discuss the topic of Prayer.  What is Prayer?  Prayer is communication with God, it is not a Means of Grace.  Prayer is the way that God has given to us to communicate with Him.  Prayer is by nature a humbling thing where we admit we can't do something on our own.  Prayer is for our benefit, not God's.  He knows what we need, but He invites us to come to Him with what we need.  To Whom is Prayer addressed?  A false god or god that is unreal cannot hear or respond to our prayer.  True Prayer must be addressed to the one True God, the Triune God.  Prayer to saints is not prayer either.  These relatives or loved ones who are with the Lord cannot hear us nor do they know what is going on in our lives (Isaiah 63:16).  What direction do we have in prayer?  The Bible is full of examples of prayer.  We are selfish in our prayers.  We generally focus on physical requests in our lives, but in the example that Jesus gives us (the Lord's Prayer), He emphasizes spiritual needs and requests.  We should pray according to God's will.  We don't know what is best for us physically, but we can be certain about our spiritual needs.  There is no spiritual blessing that God doesn't want us to have.  The Lord is good and wants what is best for us (Romans 8).  We can trust Him when we come to Him in prayer. 

CPR - Old Testament Ceremonies and Laws

In this episode of Conservative Pastor Response Pastors Mark Tiefel and Nathanael Mayhew go into the Old Testament to discuss the Old Testament law and ceremonies that God gave to His Old Testament people, the nation of Israel.  It is important to note there there are three kinds of laws given by God to His O.T. people:  Civil laws (governing the nation of Israel), Ceremonial laws (governing Israel's worship and ritual), and Moral laws which govern all people of all time for the good of society.  They present some examples of those Old Testament laws and ceremonies (for example:  washings, dietery restrictions, animal sacrifices, worship days and regulations, circumcision, and tithing) and talk about how these laws differ from the Moral Laws that apply to all people of all time.  Ultimately, many of the ceremonial laws pointed ahead to Jesus and the work of salvation that He would fulfill in the future.  Now that is complete and these laws no longer serve the purpose they once served (see Colossians 2:16-17).  If you have had questions about why some Old Testament Laws apply to us today and others do not, this episode is a must listen!  They will present the Biblical foundation and application of these laws for both Old Testament and New Testament people.  

CPR - I believe what I can see (Skeptic Series)

In this episode of Conservative Pastor Response Pastors Mark Tiefel and Neal Radichel discuss the assertion of skeptics who deny what they can't see.  They role play a discussion between a Christian and a skeptic regarding God and scientific evidence.  They will discuss worldviews, and a variety of different topics like creation and evolution, the existence of God, and more.  We hope that this conversation will be helpful to you in to know the assertions that are made by skeptics and that it will prepare you to have a profitiable discussion with those around you. 

CPR - The Christian and Voting

In this episode of Conservative Pastor Response Pastors Mark Tiefel and Nathanael Mayhew offer some Biblical thoughts and insights into the role of the Christian as citizens and what to consider as we prepare to vote this coming week.  They will talk about why voting is important, and what a Christian should consider when voting.  What political issues should the Christian consider as they think about casing a vote for a particular candidate?  Can a Christian, in good conscience  support or vote for a candidate who is immoral?  They will consider the example of Daniel and Joseph in the Bible and how they remained faithful to God's Word, but also served in a heathen government.  Finally they will look at the Christian's response if the candidate that they vote for is not elected.  Where does our hope finally need to rest?  We hope this will serve as an encouragement to you to get informed, and exercise your right to vote next Tuesday, but also to trust in the LORD regardless of the outcome!