Burden and Blessing Podcast

Bible Study - Exodus 3

Pastors Neal Radichel and Nathanael Mayhew dig into the Call of Moses recorded in Exodus chapters 3 and 4. In this study they review the preparation the LORD went through to prepare Moses for a specific task in the LORD's kingdom. But instead of being eager, Moses was reluctant and even opposed to serving the LORD. They will look at the excuses that Moses presents to the LORD, and the LORD's answer to each one. We will also see how like Moses we are in our own lives of service, as the LORD prepares us for service in His kingdom, but we often respond with doudt and reluctance. Lord, teach us thrgough this study to trust in You and to willingly serve You in Your kingdom with the gifts you so graciously bestow upon us!

Review - Hymn #95 - Savior of the Nations, Come

On today's podcast, Pastors Rob Sauers and Nathanael Mayhew take us through a study of the Advent/Christmas hymn "Savior of the Nations, Come." This is one of the oldest hymns in the hymnal, written in the fourth century by St. Ambrose. As we review this hymn, we will look at how this hymn is firmly based on the teachings of God's Word in its brief description of the entire earthly ministry of our Savior. We will see how this hymn beautifully points to the person and work of Jesus for us, and we will see the benefits of continuing to sing this ancient hymn still today. 

Word of the Week - Date of Christmas

In our Word of the Week this week, Pastor Mark Tiefel takes us through a study of the date of Christmas. We are so used to celebrating Christmas on December 25th that we may not even think twice about whether or not this was the actual date of the Savior's birth. And since our calendar is based on the birth of Jesus, we may assume that Jesus was born exactly 2017 years ago. However, there are many who believe that Jesus was born neither on December 25th nor in the year 0. So when was the Savior born? This study will take us through some of the different theories concerning the year and date of Jesus' birth. We will also consider whether or not one has to know the exact date and year of Jesus' birth in order to properly celebrate Christmas. May the Lord bless our study.

Review: To Live is Christ and Beside Quiet Waters

This week, Pastor Nathanael Mayhew offers a review of two devotion books which you may want to consider as we prepare to enter a new year. Both come with high recommendations for family or individual devotions. The first is "To Live is Christ" by Bo Giertz. This is published by Concordia Publishing House. Bishop Giertz was a pastor in the Lutheran Church is Sweeden in the 20th century and brings a very down to earth but eye opening style to the devotions and prayers included in this book. His devotion book follows the church year not the calendar year, so save this one for next year! The second is "Beside Quiet Waters" by Richard Lauersdorf, and is published by Northwestern Publishing House. This devotion book follows the calendar year and has a brief Bible passage, followed by a devotion and finally a short prayer. Pastor Lauersdorf usally begins with an illustration which develops the main point of the Bible passage and applies it to our daily lives. Very well written and insightful as well. Both devotion books would be an excellent choice for you or those on your Christmas lists, and either can be purchased through the CLC bookhouse. May the LORD bless your study and hearing of His Word!

Word of the Week: Nativity

Pastor Sam Rodebaugh takes us into the Christmas word "Nativity" and explains some details and misconceptions of the birth of our Savior. In spite of the pictures that we see or the songs that are sung about the first Christmas, many of those images are not factual. What do you think of when you hear the word nativity? What images do you associate with it? The nativity or birth of Jesus is all about the birth of a Savior for all people. We celebrate the truth proclaimed by the Old Testament prophets which describe how the King of Creation was born in very humble circumstances, and He willingly did this out of His great love for you!

BIble Study - Take up an Advent Adventure as a Soldier, Athlete, or Farmer

In today's Bible Study, Pastors Mark Tiefel and Neal Radichel take up a study of 2 Timothy 2:1-7 with a special focus on preparation during the Advent season. In this section, the Apostle Paul gives Timothy encouragement for carrying out his ministry by giving him three illustrations - a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer. As we unpack these illustrations, we'll see how this instruction also encourages us as we prepare for the coming of our Savior. May the Lord bless our study of His Word. 

Word of the Week - Pagan Holiday

During the Month of December, our Word of the Week will focus on different words associated with Christmas. This week, Pastor Rob Sauers considers whether or not Christmas is a "Pagan Holiday." You will occasionally run into Christians who don't like to celebrate Christmas because they believe the celebration is pagan in origin. We will briefly consider whether or not that claim is true and whether or not that matters at all to our celebration of the Savior's birth. We pray that this study will help you consider how to respond if you are ever questioned about your celebration of Christmas. 

Bible Study - 1 Timothy

In today's Bible Study, Pastors Rob Sauers and Nathanael Mayhew take us through an overview of the book of 1 Timothy. 1 Timothy along with 2 Timothy and Titus are referred to as the Pastoral Epistles. These are letters the Apostle Paul wrote to individual pastors to encourage them and instruct them in their ministry. Though the letters are written to pastors, there is plenty of practical application to be found for everyone as we'll see from our study today. May the Lord bless our study of His Word!

Word of the Week: ORTHODOX / HETERODOX

This week Pastor Nathanael Mayhew considers two related words: Orthodox and Heterodox. Simply put, Orthodox means "straight teaching" and Heterodox means "other teaching." These words have been used to descibe "correct" and "false" teaching in theology for centuries. While you won’t find either of these words in the Bible, you will find other words that mean the same thing. Instead of straight doctrine, we will find the phrase “good doctrine” or “sound doctrine”. Adhering to sound teaching or that which is “orthodox” is an essential criterion for the pastoral ministry (See Titus 1:7-8, and 1 Timothy 4:6). In contrast to “orthodox” teaching the prophets of the Old Testament, the apostles of the New Testament and even Jesus Himself warns of the danger of “heterodox” teaching. The apostle Peter warns: “there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction” (2 Peter 2:1). Notice the result of heterodox teaching - it is destructive! Jesus describes the heterodox teaching of the Pharisees as “leaven” which spreads (see Matthew 16:12), and Paul uses leaven (Galatians 5:9) and cancer (2 Timothy 2:17) as an example of how false teaching infiltrates and spreads. Some think that doctrine doesn’t really matter. God says otherwise. He says there is straight teaching (orthodox) and other teaching (heterodox), and it does make a difference. God has called us to: “Test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Thank God that He has revealed what is orthodox through His prophets and apostles and also through His Son, so that we might know the truth. 

CPR - Thanksgiving

In today's podcast, Pastors Nathanael Mayhew and Neal Radichel discuss the holiday we just celebrated - Thanksgiving. Though this holiday has somewhat secular roots and was not initially celebrated in American Lutheranism, we certainly do well to set time aside during this holiday to remember to give thanks to God for all of His blessings. Often when we think of those blessings, we think of physical blessings like food, clothing, and shelter, but there are many other things for which we can and should give thanks. Using the Apostles Creed as a guide, this study will discuss the first, second, and third article blessings we receive from God. We pray that this will be an encouragement to you to give thanks to the Lord every day.