Burden and Blessing Podcast
Episodes
Friday Apr 05, 2019
Hymn Review: Jesus, Refuge of the Weary
Friday Apr 05, 2019
Friday Apr 05, 2019
Pastors Rob Sauers and Nathanael Mayhew take a look at the background and theology of the Lenten hymn penned by Italian reformer Girolamo Savanarola. This is the oldest of the hymn in the Lent section of The Lutheran Hymnal, dating before the time of Luther. It captures the meaning of the crucifixion of Jesus and reflects on how we should react to the suffering and death of Christ for us. Join us for a look at this instructional and reflective "Reformation" hymn on Christ's work for us.
Friday Mar 15, 2019
Book Review: The Screwtape Letters
Friday Mar 15, 2019
Friday Mar 15, 2019
Is the Devil real? What about devils? Pastors Ben Libby and Nathanael Mayhew take a look at C.S.Lewis's "The Screwtape Letters" which is written from the perspective of a demon teaching a young temper the ropes in leading humans away from God. In the 31 letters, it describes how the devil and his evil cohorts use the things of this life to destroy faith. While it is a work of fiction, Lewis has a good grasp on human nature and gives Christians something to think about in their own lives. This is especially appropriate during Lent as we reflect on the temptation of our Savior and how He endured the devil's temptations in our place. It is an eye-opening and soul-searching read!
Friday Feb 08, 2019
Hymn Review: O Wondrous Type! O Vision Fair!
Friday Feb 08, 2019
Friday Feb 08, 2019
What is the Transfiguration of Jesus all about? What is the point of that event in the ministry of Jesus and why do we still celebrate it in the church today? Join Pastors Nathanael Mayhew and Rob Sauers to discuss the importance of the festival of Transfiguration which serves as a bridge between Epiphany and Lent, and to look at the Transfiguration Hymn: O Wondrous Type! O Vision Fair! This is one of only a few Transfiguration hymns in the hymnals we use, but powerfully summarizes the importance of the event, both then and for us today!
Friday Sep 28, 2018
Hymn Review: I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord
Friday Sep 28, 2018
Friday Sep 28, 2018
This week Nathanael Mayhew joins Neal Radichel for a look at the hymn "I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord" for our Review series. This hymn (#462 in The Lutheran Hymnal) discusses the church. This is appropriately found in the "Communion of Saints" section of the hymnal and brings out the blessings which the LORD bestows upon sinners through His church on earth. We will discuss the background of the hymnwriter, Timothy Dwight who was a very talented American hymnwriter and the grandson of Jonathan Edwards. We will also dig into each of the seven verses of this hymn and look at their meaning and Scriptural foundation. We hope you will listen in and benefit from a deeper appreciation of this wonderful song of praise!
Friday Aug 24, 2018
Anniversary Podcast - 2 years and 200 episodes
Friday Aug 24, 2018
Friday Aug 24, 2018
Pastors Neal Radichel, Mark Tiefel and Nathanael Mayhew have a round table discussion on the 2 year anniversary of the Burden and Blessing podcast. They reflect on how the project started and how it has changed and developed over the past two years. They discuss the many people who have come on board and assisted both on stage and behind the scenes to make Burden and Blessing what it is today.
It is our prayer that the Biblical content which we offer serves to encourage and strengthen those who listen and always welcome your support, suggestions, and constructive criticism. Soli Deo Gloria!
Friday Aug 10, 2018
Hymn Review: Dear Lord, To Your True Servants Give
Friday Aug 10, 2018
Friday Aug 10, 2018
Pastor Nathanael Mayhew joins Pastor Neal Radichel to discuss the hymn: Dear Lord, To Your True Servants Give. This hymn is found in both The Lutheran Hymnal (1941) and Worship Supplement 2000 as well as other Lutheran hymnals. It was written by professor W. Gustave Polack who taught Church History and Hymnody at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis until 1950. He was also the chairman of the committee that produced The Lutheran Hymnal for the Synodical Conference in 1941. The hymn is in the Ministry section in both hymnals and has a very mission minded theme. Usually sung for ordinations, installations or the commissioning of missionaries, this hymn is appropriate for the work of service of every Chirstian, since it describes and encourages the work of preaching the Gospel to every creature. Join us for an indepth look at the Scriptrual foundation for this wonderful hymn and the encouragement it offers every Christian in their vocation as a witness of Christ.
Friday Jul 06, 2018
Review - TLH Hymn #429 - Lord, Thee I Love With All My Heart
Friday Jul 06, 2018
Friday Jul 06, 2018
In our review today, Pastors Rob Sauers and Nathanael Mayhew study Hymn #429 from The Lutheran Hymnal: "Lord, Thee I Love With All My Heart." This is a hymn often sung at funerals as it focuses our attention on the nearness of our God in life and in death. As we study this hymn, we will see how God's presence runs through each stanza. We will also see how God's grace is emphasized in each stanza, showing God to be an unending fountain of goodness to us. We pray that this study will comfort you with the knowledge that our Lord is ever near us with His gracious presence.
Friday Apr 06, 2018
Movie Review: The Riot and the Dance
Friday Apr 06, 2018
Friday Apr 06, 2018
This week, Pastor John Hein joins Pastor Nathanael Mayhew to discuss the movie "The Riot and the Dance" which was shown in theaters on March 19th and will be shown again on April 19th. This will be a one time showing in select theaters across the country. This movie is narrataed by Dr. Gordon Wilson and produced by his nephew Nate Wilson, both of New St. Andrew's College in Moscow, Idaho. This is a documentary style film which highlights the wonders of God's creation as well as the chaos of creation as a result of the Fall into sin. It contains animals from Dr. Wilson's backyard and throughout the Pacific Northwest as well as a few animals from more exotic locations. The cinematography is excellent as well as the content, and it gives God the glory. At the end it contains some interviews which include an appearance by Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis. Listen to learn more about the positives and negatives of this film and information which will help you decide if you and your family should see it. Learn more and get tickets at www.riotandthedance.com.
Friday Mar 23, 2018
Review - Hymn 153 - Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted
Friday Mar 23, 2018
Friday Mar 23, 2018
As we prepare our hearts for Holy Week, Pastors Rob Sauers and Nathanael Mayhew takes us through a study of the Lenten hymn "Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted." This hymn takes us to the cross and urges us to see what our Savior Jesus does there for us. The hymn is based primarily on Isaiah 53:3-6, though it is full of other Scriptural references and allusions. In the first two stanzas we are confronted with the physical suffering Jesus endured on the cross, but also the more agonizing spiritual suffering as He is forsaken by all, even God the Father so that God's justice can be satisfied. In the final two stanzas, we consider the seriousness of our sin that caused Jesus' suffering and death, but also the glorious Gospel message that because of what Jesus did, we have a firm foundation on which to base our faith and a hope that can never be taken away. We pray that this study will help you in your preparations for Holy Week.
Friday Mar 02, 2018
Movie Review: Paul - Apostle of Christ
Friday Mar 02, 2018
Friday Mar 02, 2018
Pastors Neal Radichel and Nathanael Mayhew discuss the upcoming release of the movie: Paul - Apostle of Christ which will be in theaters on March 23, 2018. This movie is set in the late 60's AD in Rome during the reign of Nero. Christians are being persecuted and even put to death, and Paul is in prison. The story is based on what Paul writes in 2 Timothy that "only Luke" is with him. Luke comes to Rome and begins to record the life of Paul for the encouragement and directions of Christians who have never met Paul and who are struggling under persecution. Over all the movie is based on Biblcal history and incorporates secular history at that time as well and does a nice job depicting what life would have been like for Christians at that time. A couple concerns: there were some glaring and more sublte Biblically historical inaccuracites, and the movie tends to focus more on Paul's life then on the Savior Paul proclaimed. Still the movie is moving and is well done. We encourage you to reread the book of Acts and 2 Timothy in particular and take the time to go and see the move. Then discuss it with other Christian friends. Be like the Bereans who "searched the Scriptures... to see whether these things were so" (Acts 17:11). You can find more information at www.paulmovie.com