Burden and Blessing Podcast

CPR: Textual Criticism

As a follow up to our podcast on English Bible translations, we discuss the topic of textual criticism in this episode. Textual criticism is the art of looking at ancient manuscripts with the goal of reconstructing the original text of a document. We have none of the original manuscripts of the Old or New Testament, but we do have close to 6000 copies of the originals. We will discuss what this means, why it is important, and how it relates to our English translations. Buckle up for this valuable discussion on textual criticism and the text of the Bible. 

Word of the Week: Rabbi

Although the title "Rabbi" is a term that gets used today in Judaism, it was also a term that used for Jesus by His followers. It is an appropriate title, because it essentially means, "Master, Teacher". But of course, as Christians, we know that Jesus was more than just a good teacher. He did teach us many things, but chief among those teachings was what He did for us on the cross. He is our Master and we serve by following His example. We serve others and proclaim that great teaching of the Gospel to all we come into contact with. 
 

Marriage and the book of Ruth

Pastor Radichel and Pastor Libby dig into the book of Ruth in light of what it has to say about the subject of marriage. We see good examples in this book of love and submitting, the two things that husbands and wives are to do. Ruth was submissive in asking Boaz for help, and Boaz showed her love in becoming her kinsman-redeemer. We also look at examples of things that we should try to avoid in our marriage, such as bitterness and pride. We also look at things to we should do to strengthen our marriages. It all goes back to Christ, who loved us and gave Himself up for us! 

World Religions: Sikhism

Do you know what sikhism is? In our episode today we will be looking at this last of our eastern non-Christian religions. Sikhism began in India around 1500AD. It was started by a man named Nanak in northwestern India as was a harmonization of Hinduism and Islam. In that part of India there were Hindus and Muslims, and Nanak was familiar with both. Sikhism is a monotheistic religion like Islam, but has a process of reincarnation like Hinduism. Learn more about this interesting religion in this podcast.

CPR: Bible Translations

Over the past 20 years there has been a boom in the number of English Bible translations that have been made available. Many Christians wonder about the benefits or dangers of some of these translations. Join Rob Sauers and Nathanael Mayhew as they delve into the history of English translations of the Bible and discuss some of the different translation philosophies that are used by these translations. They will talk about the pros and cons of various approaches and even highlight a few common English translations. Join us for this valuable study! 

World Religions: Greek gods

You have heard of Zeus, Apollo, Aphrodite, and the other gods of the ancient Greeks. Myths and legends have been built around them for centuries. But their temples have been destroyed, and the Greek religion, while alive in story is really dead in practice. But this ancient Greek religion had an influence on the Romans who would follow them, and is mentioned several times in the Bible as Paul and others worked to proclaim the True God to those who believed in the ancient gods of the Greeks. Join us for a study of these ancient Greek gods, a comparison between this religion and Christianity, and the value of being familiar with this and other false religions (dead or alive) as Christians.

Word of the Week: Immortality

While this word sounds the same as immoral, it is very different. Immortality literally means "no death" in Greek. Another related word which can be translated immortal describes the body not decaying, but lasting forever. Because of sin we will all die, and our bodies will decay in the grave. But the Apostle Paul reminds us that because Jesus defeated death through His death on the cross, we have the hope of the resurrection and a new life in the resurrection. When our bodies are raised from death, we will be raised incorruptible and immortal - never to decay nor to die. This is the Christian's confidence!

Word of the Week: Immorality

The word immoral is one that is familiar in our society. It describes behavior that goes against accepted norms. But in the Bible it is much more specific and has to do with sexual deviance, not just against socially accepted norms, but against what God says is acceptable. The word translated immoral in the New Testament is the word pornia, from which we get the word pornography in English. It is a very graphic picture of what is not acceptable to God. And the result of such behavior is death. But there is hope for forgiveness in Christ who paid our debt of sin and offers cleaning and a new life through His Spirit!

Bible Study: Jude

This week we move to another New Testament letter: the letter of Jude. We will discuss who this Jude was and to whom he was writing. More importantly, we will look at his message both to the early New Testament Christians and to us still today. We will also discuss a couple of the more difficult questions surrounding this book, such as the reference to the "Book of Enoch" and the parallels to 2 Peter 2. Join us as we dig into this short but powerful New Testament letter and encouragement to the Church of all time! 

Word of the Week - Means of Grace

For our Word of the Week this week, Pastor Rob Sauers takes us through a study of the Means of Grace. A simple definition of the Means of Grace is the gospel in Word and sacraments by which God offers and gives us the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. The Means of Grace tell us how the Holy Spirit does His work. But why does He do things this way? Today's podcast will explore that question and demonstrate how the Means of Grace is a great comfort to us.