Burden and Blessing Podcast

Debate Series: Excommunication

Join pastors Nathanael Mayhew, Neal Radichel and Mark Tiefel as they discuss the issue of excommunication, whether it is a Biblical practice and what purpose it serves. 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 what lies behind the assertions of many when this topic comes up and as we study what God has to say to us in His Word.

50. Ephesians Summary Verse

Another of Paul's prison epistles, to Ephesus, an important congregation which Paul had spent time with. It contains a rich diversity of doctrine: redemption, roles of Christians, unity, use of gits, old man/new man, behavior towards other Christians, Bride and Bridegroom, armor of God, boldness in confession, etc. This verse powerfully describes our God and Savior! Our summary verse is from Ephesians 3:20-21: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory.” – (NKJV)

49. Philemon Summary Verse

In another of Paul's "prison letters" we learn about Christian friendship, fellowship, and forgiveness. The letter was written to Philemon, a friend of Paul's, but he was writing this letter to him on behalf of one of his slave who had run away. This slave, Onesimus, had become a Christian, and so this letter is about Christian love and forgiveness and fellowship with other Christians. Our summary verse is from Philemon 1:4-5: “I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints.” – (ESV)

48. Colossians Summary Verse

This is the beginning of what we call the "prison letters" of Paul. He was writing to people and congregations he had visited on his missionary journeys. This letter was written to counteract false teaching about how we are saved. He does this by pointing to the sufficiency and supremacy of Christ. It's all about God's image. What it is, what it means, what's been lost, what will come. All connected to Christ. Our summary verse is from Colossians 1:15-16: ““He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” – (ESV)

47. Romans Summary Verse

This letter is more dogmatic (organized treatise on Christian Doctrine) than Paul's other letters - offering a broad summary of Christian doctrine. The doctrine of Justification takes center stage in this letter. Describes our sinful nature, and the depths of God's love and mercy and giving us an incredible insight into the mind of God. It helps answer some of those tough questions (why would God put a tree... knowing). To demonstrate that love... through Christ. Our summary verse is from Romans 5:8: “But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us!” – (HCSB)

Study of Genesis - Chapters 4-5

Our journey through Genesis continues as we move into chapters 4-5 and begin to see the effects of the fall into sin. We will take a look at the account of Cain and Abel and reflect on the importance of faith as a motivation behind our actions and service to the LORD. We will discuss jealousy and the murder of Abel, and will once again take note of the loving approach of the LORD toward his wayward children. We will also reflect on the genius of ancient man as described in Scripture as opposed to the way that ancient man is viewed today, and the importance of all of God's Word (yes that includes the genealogies!). 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. 

46. 2 Corinthians Summary Verse

Ministry begins with Christ, continues with us, that is a ministry of reconciliation (redemption, justification, sanctatification). This is carried out in day to day living in Christ Jesus and the forgiveness He gives. This letter was a response to the positive result of the previous letter. It was to build them up and point them to Christ. Our summary verse is from 2 Corinthians 5:19: “Namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their wrongdoings against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation." – (NASB)

45. 1 Corinthians Summary Verse

The city of Corinth was a worldly city and as a result the congregation was affected by that worldliness. There were many problems, and he directed them back to the truth and the love of God for us. Most would think of 1 Cor. 13 "Love" related to marriage. Many people what to define love in their own personal way. But the true definition is with Jesus' love. Now we're talking! Our summary verse is from 1 Corinthians 13:4-5: “Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs.” – (CSB)

44. 2 Thessalonians Summary Verse

This letter was written soon after the first letter because there seemed to be a misunderstanding about what Paul had previously said about the Last Day. Paul tells them that they should be prepared, but that didn't mean giving up on life as we find in the followers of many end times predictors. Instead, Paul encourages the believer not to be idle, but to live our lives and serve our neighbor while we wait for that day.  Our summary verse is from 2 Thessalonians 3:13: “But as for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary in doing good.” – (CSB)

43. 1 Thessalonians Summary Verse

This letter was written to encourage a group of believers who were being persecuted and suffering for their faith. Paul tells them to be prepared for the Lord's return and to comfort one another. Christianity alone, of all the religions of the world, is able to comfort Christians in the sorrow of death, because Christ give hope and life through His work in our place. Our summary verse is from 1 Thessalonians 4:18: “Therefore comfort one another with these words.” – (NKJV)