Burden and Blessing Podcast

Word of the Week: Righteousness

As we conclude our recent celebration of the Reformation, we are reminded of what the Biblical word "righteousness" means. Pastor Tom Naumann takes us through the meaning and the use of the word in Scripture. In the Bible, God's Laws describe the character of God and the standard by which human righteousness is judged. The problem is we are not able to attain the God's standard of righteousness. The only means by which this is possible for us is through the righteousness of Christ which becomes ours by faith. Jesus has exchanged our sin for His perfection. We are declared righteous by God on account of what Jesus has done for us (2 Cor. 5:19-21). Thanks be to God! 

World Religions: Jehovah's Witnesses

Pastor Nathanael Mayhew joins Pastor Mark Tiefel for an in depth look at the Jehovah's Witness organization. They will briefly discuss the history of this group which began in 1884. While many people think that the Jehovah's Witnesses are Christian, we learn that they reject the three foundational truths of Christianity: The Trinity, the Deity of Christ, and Salvation by Grace through Faith in the Atonement of Christ. We also look at the New World Translation of the Bible, which isn't a translation at all, but a deceptive promotion of the false teaching of the Jehovah's Witness organization. Finally they will offer some suggestions about how to witness to a Jehovah's Witness, by directing them to the Gospel of Jesus.

Word of the Week: Sanctification

Learn more about the meaning of the Biblical word "sanctification" in our Word of the Week. As we prepare to celebrate the Reformation this week, this word is certainly appropriate since the church of Luther's time taught that people had to earn their way into heaven by their good works. As we consider the Biblical word sanctification (and sanctify) we see that everything having to do with our salvation and even our lives of holiness are entirely the work of God, not our word. We will look at the two ways in which the word sanctification is used, both in the broad and narrow sense, what that means and how they differ. We hope you will join us!

Bible Study: Esther

Join Pastors Joe Naumann and Nathanael Mayhew as they dig into the Old Testament book of Esther. This is an interesting book that takes place late in the history of the Old Testament a little over 400 years before the time of Christ. It is set in the capital city of Persia following the Babylonian Captivity. It tells the story of God's work behind the scenes and through the lives of Esther and Mordecai, to preserve His Old Testament people from destruction. In this book we see that God puts people in particular places at important times so that He might use them in carrying out His plan of salvation. While God is never mentioned by name in the book, His fingerprints can be clearly seen in every event described in the book. God is in control! Join us to learn more about the important book of Esther and to grow in your understanding of God's plan of salvation.

Word of the Week: Work Righteousness

In our Word of the Week we discuss the phrase "work righteousness" as we look ahead to Reformation. The phrase "work righteousness" descibes the idea that human beings can save themselves by works of rightesousness. But there is a problem. God's standard of righteousness (laid out in the 10 Commandments for starters) is impossible for us to achieve. All our righteousnesses are like filthy rags, Isaiah writes! When we try to save ourselves or earn God's favor by our works we separated ourselves from Christ and lost out on the grace He alone can give. Scripture clearly declares that we are not saved by our works of righteousness, but by God's grace in Christ: “But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness” (Romans 4). Thanks be to God!

Bible Study: Philemon (Part 2)

Join Pastors Joe Naumann and Ben Libby in the second part of their study of the book of Philemon. Part two builds on the introduction to the book (Part 1) and gets into the book itself. They discuss the loving tone used by Paul in his writing to Philemon regarding his runaway slave. What is the application for us today? It shows us how we are to show love to our fellow believers. Join them for this review of a small but important book which deals with slavery and Christian love. 

Word of the Week: Son of God

Nathanael Mayhew digs into a common name for Jesus in the New Testament and also one of the most important, since it was this name that guaranteed Jesus's death. It is the name "Son of God." This is used over 40 times for Jesus in the New Testament. It is the foundation and theme of the Gospel of Mark who begins by calling Jesus the Son of God. Jesus was decarled to be the Son of God by John the Baptizer, Nathanael, Martha, the Ethiopian eunuch, and the disciples as a whole. But what is more striking is that the Roman centurian at Jesus' crucifixion confesses: Truly this was the Son of God!" Even the demons recognized Jesus and called Him the Son of God. Was Jesus just a half god or demi god like Perceus or Hercules in Greek mythology? He was much more than that. Put under oath and asked if He was the Son of God, Jesus said: "It is as you say." For this He was condemned of blasphemy because He made Himself to be God! Jesus is True Man, but also True God, our Savior! 

Bible Study: Philemon (Part 1)

Join Pastors Joe Naumann and Ben Libby in this in depth look at Paul's letter to Philemon. This is one of the shortest books in the New Testament, and has been often misused and misunderstood throughout the past 2000 years. In part one of this study we will cover the background for the letter which was written by Paul while he was in prison. In addition they will discuss and explain the topic of slavery which does come up in a study of this letter. Learn what Scripture has to say about slavery and what it doesn't say about slavery. Join us next week for the second part of this study. 

Word of the Week: Way, Truth, Life

Join Pastor Nathanael Mayhew today to look at three more names for Jesus: The Way, The Truth, The Life. Even though many people are put off by the exclusive nature of Christianity, their rejection does not change the truth. Jesus is the only way to heaven. He alone made the sacrifice that God required to pay the debt of our sin and reconcile us to Him. He is also the Life. Jesus gave His life on the cross and then took it again on the third day. By faith in Jesus we have the Life He has won, but without faith in Him, we are condemned. Jesus is also the truth. Unlike the Rabbis of His day, Jesus's word were authortative themselves and He did not need to use other Rabbis to support or give authority to His teaching. His words are truth and they cannot fail. Jesus is the only way, the very Truth, and the Life we so desperately need and long for!

Hymn Review: I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord

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!