Burden And Blessing Podcast

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.

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)

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)

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)

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)

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. 

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)

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)

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)

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)

We move on to Genesis chapter 3 and the corruption of the perfect world which God had created. We will discuss the serpent and the role of temptation in the fall into sin, God's desire to lead Adam and Eve to repentance, the LORD's promise to send a Savior from the curse of sin, and the consequences of sin for man and woman and all of their descendants. Join Pastors Nathanael Mayhew and Mark Tiefel as they continue though this important book of Genesis and both rediscover and discuss the its revealed truths which continue to have bearing on our lives today. 

Matthew is the first Gospel written in the New Testament and it bridges the Old Testament to the New, by showing Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. He has more than 60 Old Testament quotations and refers to Jesus as the Son of David. He emphasizes the teaching of Jesus and points to Jesus as the Savior of the Gentiles too, as we see in the account of the Wise Men in chapter 2. Our summary verse is from Matthew 5:17: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” – (ESV)

The region of Galatia (modern day Turkey) was middle ground between Rome and Jerusalem (the two hearts of Gentiles and Jews). This letter dealt with serious issues between those two groups. Paul's letter to the Galatians has been called the “Magna Carta of Christian Liberty.” Christ has freed believers from bondage to the law (5:1-6) and from bondage to sin (5:16-26) and has placed them in a position of liberty. Our summary verse is from Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” – (NKJV)

We move ahead in our study of Genesis to chapter 2 and another look at the creation account. In this chapter we are given more detailed information about the creation of mankind and what makes human different and distinct from the rest of God's created world. We will also look at the institution of marriage which God describes in the union of Adam and Eve. Join Pastors Nathanael Mayhew and Mark Tiefel as they continue though this important book of Genesis and both rediscover and discuss the its revealed truths which continue to have bearing on our lives today. 

In our chronological study of the books of the Bible we enter the New Testament with a look at the epistle of James, possibly the earliest New Testament writing. It is a great connecting book between the Old Testament and New Testament with many references to Old Testament people and passages. James connects faith to the Christian life. Our summary verse is from James 2:24: “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” – (NKJV)

This last of the Old Testament books is full of the LORD’s long-suffering and patience toward His people. It brings out a vivid contrast between God’s holiness, and man’s sinfulness. He admonishes them for sin, but shows them what they have to look forward to in their repentance. Our summary verse is from Malachi 4:2: “But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings.” – (NKJV)

In the face of much opposition from foreign neighbors, Nehemiah motivated his people to complete the rebuilding of the walls and gates of Jerusalem. Nehemiah organized a guard to keep watch for enemies, but reminded the people that the LORD was in control. What seems impossible is possible with the LORD. Our summary verse is from Nehemiah 8:10: “The joy of the LORD is your strength.” – (NKJV)

Ezra traces the history of the Jews during the years following the decree of Cyrus to let the Jewish exiles return to their homeland. Ezra deals with the restoration of temple worship, reforming the people, and leading them to a desire for God's Word and in an understanding of it. Our summary verse is from Ezra 7:10: “Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it.” –  (NASB)

The book of Genesis is the foundational book of the Bible, upon which the rest of God's revelation in Scripture is based. It is a book of beginning. It is also one of the most doubted and contested books of the Bible because many of the truths which it presents are rejected by our modern world. In the opening chapter they will delve into God, the creation (and the theory of evolution), and mankind, as well as much more. Join Pastors Nathanael Mayhew and Mark Tiefel as they journey though this important book and both rediscover and discuss the truths which it reveals which continue to have bearing on our lives today. 

Esther is meaningful to us because it reminds us that God works in and through human being throughout every period of history to bring about His will. The LORD worked through Mordecai and Esther in this account to save His people and preserve His promise to send a Savior. The book emphasizes the doctrine of vocation, which points to how God is active in the work and lives of human beings as they use their God-given gifts and position in the service of their neighbor. Our summary verse is from Esther 4:14: “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” – (NIV)