Burden and Blessing Podcast

Word of the Week: Deity

In our Christmas Word of the Week series we look at the word "deity" which describes something as being God. Throughout history, human beings have created deities to worship and trust in. But the Bible describes these false deities as "idols" who can do nothing. During Advent and Christmas we celebrate the incarnation of the one True God, and proclaim that the Child laid in the manger was more that He appeared. He was what the prophets had foretold: the Mighty God. In Colossians 2:8-9 Paul declares that in Jesus was the whole fullness of deity in bodily form. That God-Man is our Savior -- not what many want, but what we sinners NEED!

Hymn Review: Where Shepherds Lately Knelt

In our hymn review this week, Pastors Ben Libby and Nathanael Mayhew dig into the more unfamiliar and modern Christmas Hymn, Where shepherd's lately knelt. They will discuss the author and the tune, as well as the Scriptural background for the text and its doctrinal content. They will also talk about the unique feature of the hymn, which puts it in the first person as we view the Baby in the manger through the eyes of a shepherd, and contemplate the meaning of this glorious news for us in a personal way.

Bible Study: Jeremiah

Join Pastors Neal Radichel and Nathanael Mayhew for an overview of the Old Testament book of Jeremiah. Learn about the historical background for the work of Jeremiah, who he was and what his message was for the people at that time. Just as important, learn also how the message of Jeremiah applies to us in our lives today. This is a book full of history and application for us today and has much for us to learn from still today. 

Word of the Week: Angel

As we begin another Advent season we consider the word "angel" - those beings created by God and who serve as His messengers. We will review some of the examples in Scripture where the LORD sends His angels, and for what purpose. We will also look at how the LORD uses them to bring judgment upon the unbelieving and wicked and to protect or defend His own people. Thanks be to God for His powerful messengers who defend and protect us!

CPR: Signs from God Today

Join Pastors Neal Radichel and Sam Rodebaugh for a discussion about what the Bible has to say about God giving signs to people still today. This is an important topic and one that comes up often in conversations with people in our daily lives. Does God still gives signs to us today? How does a person tell if it is a sign from God? What dangers are there that we should be aware of? These are some of the questions that we will consider in this CPR podcast today. Join us to learn more about what the Bible has to say about ongoing signs and what signs He has given us!

Word of the Week: Judgment

In our word of the Week we consider the word "Judgment". This is especially appropriate at the end of the church year as we consider the "End Times" and the Final Judgment and hear themes related to Judgment Day. True Judgment requires justice, that is a consistent standard that applies to everyone of all time. God has given us this standard in His Law, the Ten Commandments. This condemns us all. But God knows our problem of sin and sent His Son to live as God demanded of us and to pay the debt of our sin which we earned. As a result, God judges Christ in our place and, with the payment being made is able to justify sinners. By faith we received the results of Christ's work for us, and have the hope of everlasting life!  

Bible Study: 1 Thessalonians

Are you interested in eschatoloty? That is a study of the "Last Things" or the events of Christ's final return. In our overview of 1 Thessalonians we will see that Paul was already preparing the early New Testament church for Christ's return. He speaks about death, the resurrection, and what we should do as we wait for that day to come, as well as much more that is appropriate for us to consider as we wait for our Savior. Join us for this important review! 

Word of the Week: Doctrine

This week we consider the word "doctrine" -- a word which is looked down upon in our society today, but is very important in the life of a Christian. Doctrine means "teaching" and can be "sound" (that is good) or "false" (that which is not true).God gives doctrine in His word, and as Christians we rejoice that God's doctrine doesn't change and it is extremely important for our lives on this earth! For this reason it is something that we should know and also understand!

CPR - Leadership and Submission in Marriage

As a follow up to our Word of the Week series on marriage, join Pastors Ben Libby and Nathanael Mayhew as they discuss the Biblical perspective on the roles God has laid out in marriage and especially what it means to lead and submit within the marriage relationship. Join them as they look at the Bible passages that lay the foundation and present this topic clearly and as the discuss how this is to carried out within the relationship between husband and wife. While the world around us rebels against God's instituted order in marriage, an honest look at Scripture reveals that God's plan is good when we show love for God and love for our spouse.

Word of the Week: Catechism

Do you know what a Catechism is? Simply, it is a book of instruction. In our word of the week today we will consider the word Catechism and learn why it is such an important tool for the Christian. It covers the basic teachings on the Bible, gathering passages on the same topic into one place so that you can see the big picture, and grow in your knowledge of what God has done. The Catechism is an extremely valuable resource for child and adult alike!