Burden and Blessing Podcast

Anniversary Podcast - 2 years and 200 episodes

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!

Word of the Week: Bridegroom

Pastor Tom Naumann digs into another Biblical picture of Jesus with the name Bridegroom. This is a picture used throughout Scripture, both by Old Testament prophets and by Jesus Himself. Jesus told many parables using the picture of a Bride and Bridegroom which pointed to the relationship between Christ and His church. Jesus, pictured as a husband has a loving concern for the church (not a church body or denomination, but the entirety of all those who believe in Him), which moves Him to give His life to save His bride. It is a beautiful and comforting title and name of our Savior. Listen to learn more!

Bible Study: Hosea

This week, Pastor Ben Libby joins Pastor Tom Naumann for a look into the Old Testament book of Hosea. This is one of the "minor" prophets of the Old Testament who was sent to the northern kingdom of Israel at the same time that Isaiah and Micah prophesied to the southern tribe of Judah. Hosea was sent to call the people of Israel to repentance in a unique way, by marrying a prostitute named Gomer. Gomer's actions were a picture of the unfaithfulness of the people of Israel. The book also points us to Christ, who is found pointed to throughout the prophecy of this book. There is much for us to learn from this book still today as the LORD also calls us out of sin and to trust in His grace.

Word of the Week: Good Shepherd

Pastor Sam Rodebaugh describes Jesus as our Good Shepherd episode today. This description or name for Jesus is found in familiar sections like John 10 and Psalm 23, but is found in many other places as well. Don't let the simple description of "good" fool you. Jesus is more that just "good" - he is the one who rises above all the rest, the one who is perfect. He is the Good Shepherd who provides for His sheep and and protects them from danger. His love for the sheep is so strong that He even lays down His life for them and takes it up again assuring victory over the enemies of the sheep. What joy and what comfort is found in this name and description of our Savior!

Hymn Review: Dear Lord, To Your True Servants Give

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.

Word of the Week: Lamb

For our Names of Jesus Word of the Week, Pastor Nathanael Mayhew digs into the name Lamb. Possibly the most familiar and clear description of this name for Jesus is found in the words of John the Baptist at the very start of Jesus' ministry when he pointed to Jesus and said: "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). This picture of Jesus was rooted in the Old Testament and is found in Isaih 53:7 ("He was led as a Lamb to the slaughter") and Exodus 12 where the Passover was instituted. That passover lamb, which was killed pointed ahead to Jesus and the shedding of His blood on the cross. Peter even calls Jesus our "Passover Lamb" whose blood cleanses us from sin (1 Peter 1:19). Finally the Book of Revelation refers to Jesus as a Lamb 27 times describing Him as having been slain, but living and worthy to receive honor and glory and power. Yes, Jesus is the very Lamb of God, and what a fitting name it is!

World Religions: Christian Science

Pastor Sam Rodebaugh and Pastor Tom Naumann take a look at the teachings of Christian Science in our world religions study this week. They will discuss the life of Mary Baker Eddy and how she founded the "church" of Christian Science. They will also take a look at some of the unique teachings of Christian Science, which ironically, are neither Christian, nor scientific. In fact, Christian Science rejects almost every foundational teaching of Christianity in the Bible! In addition to this they will talk about Mary Baker Eddy's books and what a "service" would be like at a Christian Science reading room if you were to attend. For more information, please contact us! 

Word of the Week: Immanuel

This week, Pastor Nathanael Mayhew takes us into the familiar "Christmas" name for Jesus: Immanuel. Found in Isaiah 7:14, the LORD told King Ahaz that He would give a sign that would never be forgotten: A virgin would conceive and bear a Son. His name would be Immanuel. The word Immanuel is found only three times in Scripture, twice in Isaiah and once in Matthew. It literally means: God with us. Matthew tells us that this propphecy of Isaiah was fulfilled with the child Jesus. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20-23), and He would save people from their sins. This child, Jesus, was more than just a man, He was indeed, True God, conecieved by the Holy Spirit. He was indeed what we sinners needed. Immanuel, God with us. We have an important reminder in this name of Jesus, of who He is and what He came to do.

Word of the Week - Son of Man

In our Word of the Week, Pastor Rob Sauers takes us through a brief study of the term "Son of Man." This is Jesus' favorite title for referring to Himself in the Gospels. On the surface, it would seem that this term refers exclusively to Jesus' humanity and the corresponding term, "Son of God," refers to Jesus' divinity. However, as we will see in our study, the term "Son of Man" emphasizes both Jesus' humanity and divinity. We pray that this study will deepen your understanding of this important Messianic title.

Bible Study: Lamentations

This week Pastors Tom Naumann and Nathanael Mayhew dig into the Old Testament book of Lamentations. Although the book does not name is writer, tradition holds that it was written by the prophet Jeremiah at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem in the 580's B.C. There are many parallels between Lamentations and the prophecy found in Jeremiah. The book is short, only 5 chapters, and records the "laments" or weeping of Jeremiah over the destruction of Jerusalem and the deportation of the people of Judah by the Babylonians. But it also mourns the sin of Judah which brought this judgment of God upon it. Still there is a glimmer of Hope, particularly in the middle of chapter 3, where Jeremiah places his confidence in the mercy of God which is "new every morning." Yes, even in tragedy and judgment, the LORD still would fulfill His promise and send a redeemer in the person of Jesus. Learn about all this and much more by listening to this overview of Lamentations.