Burden and Blessing Podcast

57. 2 Peter Summary Verse

This is known as the letter of "knowledge" because various forms of "know" occur 16 times. This was in contrast to gnosticism, pointed to Jesus as Savior as the only true and all important knowledge. That knowledge which Peter describes is good for this life and for the life to come! Our summary verse is from 2 Peter 1:3: “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.” (ESV)

CPR: A Christian Perspective on Cancel Culture

Cancel Culture has become the new norm in our society. What is cancel culture? Join a roundtable discussion with Pastors Nathanael Mayhew, Neal Radichel and Mark Tiefel for an explanation and discussion on Cancel Culture from a Christian perspective. Learn about the dangers of the movement, and how we as Christians can bear witness to the truth in such a climate. 

56. 1 Peter Summary Verse

Purpose of Peter's first letter was to encourage Christians in suffering, in hope, in sanctification. The word "suffer" occurs 16 times, and there are 30 imperatives or commands which point to the change in the Christian as a result of Christ's work for him or her. This passage highlights God's good and perfect gifts and how the Lord wants us to use them and grow in them. This is the Doctrine of Vocation! Our summary verse is from 1 Peter 4:10: “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” – (NKJV)

55. Titus Summary Verse

This is the second of the "Pastoral letters" - written to other church leaders as an encouragement in the ministry. Titus was with Paul on his 3rd journey, collected the offering for Jerusalem, then began work on Crete. In this letter Paul puts again an emphasis on "sound doctrine", dealing with false teachers, and proper conduct. It serves as a mini Dogmatics book! Our summary verse is from Titus 3:5: “He saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy.” – (CSB)

Hymn Review: Deep Were His Wounds (WS 722)

The Season of Lent is full of many theologically rich hymns which point to the high cost God paid in order to redeem sinful humanity to Himself. "Deep Were His Wounds" is not a familiar Lenten hymn, in part because it is relatively modern (20th Century), written by an unfamiliar author, and also isn't found in many Lutheran Hymnals. But it is a beautiful hymn, which simply describes the "Great Exchange" of Christ for Sinners. Join Pastors Rob Sauers and Nathanael Mayhew as they take a look at this hymn and enrich our Lenten meditations.  

54. 1 Timothy Summary Verse

This is the first of the "Pastoral letters" - written to other church leaders as an encouragement in the ministry. These letters give great advice for churches and Christians in general not just pastors. There is a mentorship taking place and being encouraged here. Paul charges Timothy and the church to teach and "keep the faith" and pass this on to the next generation. Our summary verse is from 1 Timothy 4:12: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” – (NIV)

53. Acts Summary Verse

Acts covers the 30 years following the ascension of Jesus and the success of the Spirit's work through the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. The Gospel is the message of Jesus and what He did to bring salvation to the world of sinners. Christ came to save all people (as we saw in Luke) and that message is taken to all people (as we now see in Acts). The Spirit works through it to build His Church. Our summary verse is from Acts 4:12: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” – (ESV)

Study of Genesis - Chapters 6-7

We resume our journey through Genesis as we review chapters 6-7 and the account of the Flood. We will review the state of the human condition, and God's response to mankind's sin. We will also discuss a number of assertions that are made about the Biblical account, dealing with whether it was a worldwide flood, the size of the ark, and whether all of the animals would have fit on such a structure. Join Pastors Nathanael Mayhew and Mark Tiefel as they continue though this important book of Genesis and both rediscover and discuss its revealed truths which continue to have a important bearing on our lives today. 

52. Luke Summary Verse

Luke points to the universality of salvation. He includes the familiar narrative of the birth of Jesus where the angels tell the shepherds that the coming of Jesus was for all. Luke alone also mentions the Good Samaritan, the lost parables, the 10 lepers, the criminal on the cross, all which point to the universality of Christ's salvation. Our summary verse is from Luke 2:10: “Then the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.'” –(NKJV)

51. Philipians Summary Verse

This letter is later than the other three "prison" letters. The church at Philippi was established on Paul's second missionary journey where Lydia and the jailer lived. Paul was close to this congregation. Often called Paul's letter of joy. He encouraged them in that joy and urged them to live out their Christian calling. It is one of the most personal and joyful of his letters. The peace of Christ calms anxiety in world. Our prayers WILL be answered, in due time. Amen! Our summary verse is from Philippians 4:6: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – (NASB)