Burden and Blessing Podcast

Word of the Week: GOSPEL

As we contine in the Epiphany season, Pastor Mark Tiefel defines the word Gospel in the Scriptures.  The word Gospel is used so often in our society that it looses its meaning in the true Biblical meaning.  Literally the word means "Good News" or "Evangelism."  Isaiah says that the Good News of Salvation is what the Gospel is.  Jesus is the fulfillment of this Gospel.  Jesus preached the Gospel and healed people from sickenesses.  There is a distinction between these two.  Paul says that the Gospel "is the power of God unto salvation" (Romans 1:16).  The Gospel why we have the hope of heaven (Colossians 1:5,23).  The real Gospel message is not about prosperity here on earth or political or social causes, but simply about the forgiveness of sins through Christ.  Thanks be to God!

CPR - ABORTION RIGHTS AND WRONGS!?!

In this episode, Pastors Mark Tiefel and Neal Radichel discuss everything from Abortion rights and Abortion "exceptions", as well as Bible quotations that shed light on life before and after birth and conception.  What kind of impact has Abortion had on our society?  How has Abortion affected relationships and a mother's responsibility?  What can a Christian or non-Christian recognize about the growing scientific evidense since the Supreme Court's ruling in the early 1970's?  What can an individual do in the wake of the political protests recently on Abortion throughout our nation?  Explore the depths of these questions in light of God's Word and the staggering effects we see of the choices on either side that are made today!

Bible Study - Daniel

In this Bible Study episode, Pastors Mark Tiefel and Nathanael Mayhew take us into the Old Testament book of Daniel.  While the book of Daniel has many familiar sections which descibe the life of Daniel while in captivity by the Babylonians, there are many unfamiliar sections as well.  Daniel is set at the time of the Babylonian Captivity around 600B.C. when Nebuchadnezzar conquered the nation of Judah and took many of its people captive, including Daniel.  The first part of the book underscrores the importance of faith in the words and promises of the LORD, confidence in His power and protection, and prayer.  This is seen through the life of Daniel and his three friends.  But it also presents the believer in Jesus with the assuranace that the LORD God is in control, will bring about His promised salvation for sinners through the coming Christ, and will defeat the ungodly forces prevalent in this fallen world.  The LORD would even work in and through heathen kingdoms like the Babylonians, Greeks and Romans to prepare the way for His coming salvation.  The LORD's love for sinners and His salvation would be come to pass in the life and the death of Jesus, the Christ. 

Word of the Week: GENTILE

As we contine in the Epiphany season, Pastor Nathanael Mayhew takes a look at the word Gentile in the Scriptures.  The word Gentile is used in both the Old and New Testaments to distinguish between God's Old Testament people Israel and the other nations of the world.  While Christianity is often veiwed by people in the world as an exclusive religion, just the opposite is actually true.  From the very beginning of His choosing Abraham as the father of His people, God's plan was to bring about a Savior for all the nations of the earth (Genesis 12:3).  This continued to be revealed througout the Old Testament as God reached out through His Old Testament people to save Gentiles like Rahab, Ruth, Naaman, and even the people of Nineveh.  In the same way God reaches out through His New Testament people to save those who are lost today. Peter writes: "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy" (1 Peter 2:9-10). Christianity proclaims a salvation through Jesus Christ that has been won for all sinners, whether Jew or Gentile.  Paul writes:  "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Gentile" (Romans 1:16).  Thanks be to God for the inclusive nature of His salvation for all sinners through faith in Jesus!

Review - "God is on the move" by 7eventh Time Down

In this music review episode Pastors Neal Radichel and Mark Tiefel discuss and review 7eventh Time Down's new song, "God is on the Move."  They will be using their ABC's:  Is it Appropriate? Is it Biblical? and Does it Direct us to Christ?  This song is very popular in Contemporary Christian Music and has been in the top 10.  Listen to the song and their evaluation and learn how to apply the ABC's to music you listen to as well.

Word of the Week: EQUALITY

As our country remembers Martin Luther King Jr. on this day, Pastor Mark Tiefel discusses the word "Equality."  True equality is found in Christ Jesus who became "poor" that we might become "rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9).  Jesus humbled Himself unto death that we might be reconciled to God.  In Christ, we have been set free, and through Christ all arbitrary distinctions of the world have been erased through faith.  Paul says, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28).  But we are not to use our freedom as a reason to or excuse for sin.  Quite often the world calls for "equality" that is actually in opposition to God's Word.  We find this in the home, in the church, and with respect to our leaders in government.  When one fights for freedom that is opposed to God's Word it actually detracts from the liberty that is found in Christ.  Ultimately our lives center on God our Savior who has come for us and paid for our sins.

CPR - Don't Judge Me (Skeptic Series)

In this episode of Conservative Pastor Response Pastors Neal Radichel and Nathanael Mayhew take up a Skeptics approach to Judging others.  The phrase "Don't Judge Me" is heard by many Christians who seek to lead a friend or fellow believer out of sin.  In this episode they talk about the purpose of pointing out sin and the proper, God pleasing and even demanded judgment that we should carry out as Christians.  One passage that is often quoted is Matthew 7:1 where Jesus says: "Judge not, lest you be judged."  But the context of this verse shows that Christians are called to judge, but with righteous judgment and by first confessing one's own sin before pointing out the sin of another.  They will also discuss the account of the woman caught in adultery in John 8 as an example from Jesus Himself of proper Christian judgment.  May the Lord give us all wisdom and humility as we encourage and admonish one another in this sin-filled world!

Word of the Week: EPIPHANY

As we enter a new season of the Church Year with Epiphany, Pastor Nathanael Mayhew discusses the word Epiphany in our Word of the Week.  The word Epiphany comes from the Greek and means "appearing" or "manifestation" in English.  Epiphany celebrates the incarnation of Jesus into the world for sinners.  But there is a difference between Christmas and Epiphany.  Epipany was known as "Christmas for the Gentiles" and presents the Good News of salvation in Jesus not just for the Jews, but also for Gentiles.  Maybe you are familiar with the account of the Gentile Wise Men who came to visit Jesus in Bethlehem.  Jesus was revealed as the Savior of all people, Jews and Gentiles alike.  Jesus was revealed the the promised Messiah and Savior through His words and miracles throughout His ministry, but also will be manifested as the Savior of all on the Last Day when He comes again.  Let us rejoice during this Epiphany season that Jesus has come and has been revealed as the Savior of all people, including me! 

Bible Study - Joshua

In this Bible Study episode, Pastors Nathanael Mayhew and Mark Tiefel take us back into the Old Testament and the book of Joshua.  This book picks up where Deuteronomy leaves off, as the Children of Israel prepare to enter into the promised land under the leadership of Joshua.  They discuss the background and history of the book inclunding the conquering of the promised land, and people like Rahab whom God spared.  In addition, Joshua is a picture of Jesus in many ways and share the same name (Joshua and Jesus are the same name, one is Hebrew, the other Greek).  Both lead their people into the promised land (Israel / Heaven), both are powerful leaders (physical / spiritual).  They discuss the way in which God treats the heathen nations and have them destroyed.  First we need to remember that we all deserve to die because of our sin.  We deserve to be judged by God.  While God is love, He is also just.  In order to be just, He must punish sin.  God's judged the sin of the heathen nations through the nation of Israel, and He did this so that He could accomplish His salvation through the nation of Israel and the coming of the Savior Jesus.  It is here that God's love and judgment come together in perfect harmony.  May the Lord bless your study of this book which points to the salvation of God for sinners!

Word of the Week: PROVIDENCE

As we begin a new year Pastor Mark Tiefel defines the word providence in our Word of the Week. At the very begining of the world God assures us that He will care for His creation and provides for all people.  The knowledge of God's providence or care for all creation is meant to lead us to a knowledge of God's love for us and His salvation.  Jesus reminds us that if God cares for the birds and the flowers of creation, we can be sure that He cares for us because we are of more value than they.  We don't need to worry, but we can be confident that as He cares for us physically, he will also care for us spiritually.  If He gave His own Son for us, what won't He give for us?  If God is for us, no enemy can stand against us!  May the Lord encourage and comfort you with that truth throughout this new year of His grace!