Burden and Blessing Podcast

Isn't it impossible to always glorify God?  If it can't be done, what's the point? How can we navigate these difficult questions as a Christian?  Considering questions like these in a broad and narrow way while defining terms help us relate back to the wisdom of God's Word and Christ our Savior. Join Pastors Mark Tiefel and Neal Radichel for this discussion on what it means to glorify God when it comes to our daily sin and sanctification. 

Despite being the one who betrayed Jesus, Judas Iscariot is probably one of the most well known of the apostles. Pastors Nathanael and Mark dig into what the Bible tells us about Judas and explore questions surrounding why he would betray Jesus and what might have been going on in Judas' head as these events unfolded. Even though Judas is seen as an enemy of Christ, it is important that we humbly account for the ways in which we might face similar temptations as Judas and understand what truly makes us strong in Christ. 

One of the most popular arguments against the resurrection of Jesus is that the disciples stole Christ's body out of the tomb. This response to the resurrection was first formulated by the Jewish leaders who executed Jesus. Pastors Neal and Mark take a look at this argument and explain how the Bible thoroughly debunks it in several different areas. In fact, this lie first given by the Jewish leaders actually further substantiates the miracle of the resurrection today. 

Paul was one of the most influential apostles yet perhaps the most unlikely as well. Formerly known as Saul, and a great persecutor of the Church, Paul's story reminds us that the grace of Christ can reach anyone. No sin is too great to be forgiven and no individual too lost to be used in the service of God's kingdom. 

Our next installment of the Skeptics Series looks directly at the death and resurrection of Jesus. One of the most popular skeptical arguments about Jesus' resurrection is that He never died to begin with, at least not on the cross on Good Friday. Often referred to as the Swoon Theory, this idea proposes that Jesus merely fainted on the cross and revived Himself in the tomb. Pastors Mark and Neal dig into this theory to show how God thoroughly addresses these flimsy claims in His Word. 

The season of the church year called "Lent" is all about the suffering and death of Jesus for sinners. Join Pastors Nathanael Mayhew and Ben Libby as they look at "O Dearest Jesus, What Law Hast Thou Broken" by German hymnwriter, Johann Heermann. This hymn looks at the suffering and death of Jesus and asks: "Why?" It not only answers that question, but it also shows what Christ's death means for the Christian and how it impacts our life both now and in eternity. Join us for this wonderful Lenten reflection!

Pastors Neal and Mark discuss our next installment of the Skeptics Series. In this topic, they dig into a claim by many that Jesus didn't really match the requirements of the Messiah in the Bible. Furthermore, doubt is often cast upon Jesus because of the many of Messianic-like figures in other religions. How can we know for sure that Jesus was sent by God? Join us in this podcast to see how the Word of God answers this question. 

This short devotion titled "True Justice Comes from the LORD" is based on our study of Psalm 7 on March 25, 2022. While we may not see justice meted out in this sinful world, we can be sure that the LORD will bring justice to bear on all people on the last day. The only way we can survive His justice is through Christ's work for us. Thanks be to the LORD!

In episode 16 of our chronological study of the Psalms we take a look at Psalm 7. Join Pastors Neal Radichel and Nathanael Mayhew as they work through this Psalm together to explore the depth and richness of God's inspired Word. This Psalm will highlight the righteousness of God, as well has His justice, as well as the wickedness of mankind. It also is a plea to the LORD to deliver God's people from the injustice of the world. We invite you to open your Bible and join us in the study of God's Word! 

Bartholomew, also known as Nathanael, was an apostle that was not mentioned often in Scripture. Outside of the lists of the apostles in the Gospels, we are only given one story about Bartholomew. Pastors Nathanael Mayhew and Mark Tiefel dig into that account to explain what we know about Bartholomew and what we can learn from him.