Burden and Blessing Podcast

Debate: Jesus really did die and rise again

Join pastors Nathanael Mayhew, Neal Radichel and Mark Tiefel as they discuss the question whether Jesus really did die and rise again. One will take the Biblical perspective and another will approach it from a secular perspective in this debate series. In this we try to replicate the arguments that are presented against the Scriptural teaching and in conversations or disagreements that Christians may have in their daily lives. Join us again as we dig into why the death and resurrection of Jesus are so important, and what lies behind the assertions of many non-believers when this topic comes up and as we study what God has to say to us in His Word.

64. 2 John Summary Verse

This second letter of John was written to the church. It has the assurance to us that God's Word doesn't change. Love" is a distinguishing feature, but needs to be appropriately defined. Love is the message of God's Word as seen in the work of Jesus for us. We also pass that love on to others. Our summary verse is from 2 John 1:5: “And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another." – (NKJV)

63. 1 John Summary Verse

You will find an emphasis on true and false teaching in 1 John. It has has always been a mark of the true church to distinguish between what is true and false. John points to errors about the nature of Jesus, the nature of sin, the role of sanctification in the life of a Christian and more. No teaching of Scripture is unimportant. If God has given it, it is for our good, and we are called to defend it and proclaim it faithfully. Our summary verse is from 1 John 4:1: “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” – (CSB)

A Holy Week Study of Genesis 22

Join Pastors Neal Radichel and Ben Libby for a review of Genesis 22 and application to the suffering and death of Jesus. The accounts is called the testing of Abraham, or the sacrifice of Isaac, and is full of imagery that connects to the sacrifice and death of Jesus for us. Join them as they dig into these verses and enrich our Lenten meditation on this Good Friday. 

62. John Summary Verse

John's gospel is unique in that it focuses on the person and power of Jesus, the Word made flesh. It details His miracles. It details His "I am" statements and His words from the cross. We thought this summary statement was fitting. Because Jesus not only has the words of eternal life, Jesus is the Word... the way, the truth, and the life! Our summary verse is from John 6:68: “Simon Peter answered, “Lord, to whom will we go? You have the words of eternal life.” – (CSB)

61. Jude Summary Verse

Jude was dealing with false teaching and false thinking that was infiltrating the church. His purpose is to motivate Christians to be faithful to their calling and to stand up for the truth of God's Word. The phrase "contend earnestly" is one word in Greek and means to "fight" or "strive" or "go to battle". This is serious. We are at war. War is costly. It require sacrifice, commitment, determination. We have to know what is at stake! Jude's words are especially fitting in our modern world today. Our summary verse is from Jude 1:3: “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” – (NKJV)

60. Hebrews Summary Verse

Hebrews was written to a group of people who were suffering persecution and were thinking about returning back to Judaism. The writer points out that Christ is the "real deal" and that all other religions are empty, because they don't have Him! It is only because of and in Jesus that we have salvation through the mercy and grace of God, and through which we are assured that our prayers are heard! Our summary verse is from Hebrews 4:16: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” – (KJV)

59. 2 Timothy Summary Verse

This is the last of Paul's "pastoral letters" and the last of his letters as he neared execution. It is more personal than the other pastoral letters, and shows a concern for Timothy and Christ's Church in general. It is a message of warning, comfort and encouragement, and gives confidence to every Christian in troubled times through the Word! Our summary verse is from 2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” – (ESV)

Hymn Review: Abide with Me (TLH 552)

Abide with Me is a beloved hymn for many Christians and is often sung at Christian funerals. While it is found in the evening section of many hymnals because of its Scriptural foundation (The Emmaus Disciples), it focuses on our confidence in life and death in the Lord Jesus. Join Pastors Ben Libby and Nathanael Mayhew as they take a look at the background and theological depth of this beautiful hymn and point to the comfort and assurance we have in Christ.  

58. Mark Summary Verse

Mark's Gospel was intended for a Gentile audience and is the shortest of the Gospels and very fast paced. It deals more with the actions of Jesus and his purpose is to show Jesus as the Son of God as proved by His actions. Mark also reveals Jesus as the saving Servant who comes to give His life in order to accomplish mankind's salvation. This Gospel humbles us to understand the love an humility of our Savior Jesus! Our summary verse is from Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." – (NKJV)