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 dis…

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 a…

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.…

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 r…

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,…

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 sen…

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 th…

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 als…

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.…

This short devotion titled "Praising the LORD in the eye of the storm" is based on our study of Psalm 54 on March 18, 2022.Burden and Blessing

In this 15th episode in our chronological study of the Psalms we look at Psalm 54. David is still on the run from Saul, and has an opportunity to kill him, but refuses to (1 Samuel 26). This Psalm alternates between a prayer to the LORD (v.1-3,5b-6) and a confession of his faith in the LORD (v.4-5a,7). It is a prayer for vindication against his ene…

It's popular today to think of Jesus as a political activist that came to earth to fight for peoples' rights, especially minorities. In that sense, Jesus takes on the persona of someone who resists those in authority. But when one actually looks at Jesus in the Bible, they see a completely different person. Jesus continually reaffirmed the 4th comm…

This short meditation titled "God forsaken" highlights the thoughts of the Psalm 22 study from March 11,, 2022.Burden and Blessing

Psalm 22 is a "Messianic Psalm" which means that it describes the work of the Messiah. By inspiration through the Holy Spirit, David looks 1,000 years into the future to describe the crucifixion of Jesus on Calvary and what it means for sinners. The Gospel writers will quote from Psalm 22 to show how it was fulfilled as they see Jesus crucified for…

As we continue our Apostles Series, we come to one of the apostles who witnessed the greatest events in Jesus' ministry. James was the brother of John, the Apostle, and co-worker with Simon Peter and Andrew. James was also one of the three apostles who were allowed to see unique aspects of Jesus' ministry.…

This short meditation captures the devotional thoughts from the Psalm 17 study from March 4, 2022.Burden and Blessing

The 13th episode in our ongoing series on the book of Psalms. Psalm 17 is a prayer of David that we might call a prayer of vindication. David is suffering unjustly and looking for justice. Justice from God. His prayer is that the LORD would deliver him and continue to protect him. In the end he acknowledges that the future of the unbelieving world …

God is perfect and almighty. He has no needs. Why, then, did He create humans, especially when we have caused so much pain and evil in the world? Another question connected to this is: why doesn't God just eradicate all evil once and for all? Pastors Neal Radichel and Mark Tiefel dig into this question and seek to provide solid answers from God's W…

This brief meditation captures the devotional thoughts from the Psalm 13 Bible study from February 27, 2022.Burden and Blessing

The 12th episode in our ongoing series on the book of Psalms. Living in a fallen world, we may often feel abandoned. Not only by the people around us, but even by God. David wrestled with this in his own life, but ultimately comes back to the words and promises of God which assure the child of God that God will never forsake His children!…

There is difficulty is understanding how God could be all powerful yet still allow evil and suffering to exist. Within this thought is a question about God's love. In this episode, Pastor Neal Radichel and Pastor Mark Tiefel dig into this question and discuss the balance between God's justice and God's love. Though many wrestle with this question, …

This brief meditation captures the devotional thoughts from the Psalm 109 Bible study from February 18, 2022.Burden and Blessing

The 11th episode in our ongoing series on the book of Psalms. It's difficult for the believer to wait patiently for the LORD's justice, especially in the face of wrongdoing. In this psalm, David prays that God would see the way David's enemies are treating him. While it is not easy to submit these kinds of situations to God's will, there is peace a…

How do we practice our faith as Christians today in a society that advocates for religious plurality? Pastor Neal Radichel and Pastor Mark Tiefel explore this thought in this episode. We see from God's Word what makes Jesus unique not just as a person, but as the Savior of the world. We also see evidence throughout the Bible that points to Jesus as…

This brief meditation captures the devotional thoughts from the Psalm 52 Bible study from February 11, 2022.Burden and Blessing

The 10th episode in our ongoing series on the book of Psalms. This psalm pairs well with the events of the previous - Psalm 142. In Psalm 52, David speaks against a man (Doeg the Edomite) who betrayed David to King Saul. As David describes the actions of Doeg, we see a stark contrast between the one who trusts in man's power, and the one who trusts…

We dig into the life of one of the most important figures in Christianity - the Apostle Paul. Paul was unique when compared to the rest of the 12 Apostles. God used the prior events of Paul's life, when he was known as Saul, to shape him into the leader that he would become. Paul was also instrumental as a writer of Scripture - the Holy Spirit usin…

This brief meditation captures the devotional thoughts from the Psalm 142 Bible study from February 4, 2022.Burden and Blessing

The 9th episode in our ongoing series on the book of Psalms. This was written during a dark period of David's life - literally and metaphorically. The heading of the psalm indicates that this psalm was a prayer from David to God when David was hiding out in a cave. The intensity of the persecutions and dangers that David faced had grown, he even ad…

The Skeptic or Skeptical Christian might respond to the loss of a loved one, "He/She was such a good person, why would God let them suffer like that?" Explore the depths of this question today by considering why we can’t always understand God’s timing and bigger picture (Isaiah 55:8-9), how God is always trying to draw a person and family closer to…

This brief meditation captures the devotional thoughts from the Psalm 34 Bible study from January 28, 2022.Burden and Blessing

The eighth episode in our ongoing series on the book of Psalms. Psalm 34 speaks to many of the current struggles that Christians go through. How do I know about God? Does He care for me? What about tribulations and sufferings? Each of those questions and more are addressed in Psalm 34. Grab your Bible and join us for this study!…

Pastor Mark and Pastor Nathanael discuss the monumental legacy of Simon Peter in the Scriptures. Peter is probably the most well-known apostle, but not always for the best reasons. Join us in this study as we take a look at the familiar lessons about Peter's life and gain surprising and helpful insights for our faith!…

This brief meditation captures the devotional thoughts from the Psalm 133 Bible study from January 21, 2022.Burden and Blessing

The seventh episode in our ongoing series on the book of Psalms. Psalm 133 might be one of the shortest psalms in the Bible but it is still filled with valuable truths for our lives. Join Pastor Neal and Pastor Nathanael as they discuss David's inspired and meditative thoughts on the blessing of unity from the Lord!…

Part 1 of the Skeptics Series Pastor Mark and Pastor Neal dig into the question of why people feel the need or longing for God. It's part of basic human nature to perceive and commune with the divine. The many religions in the world are an example of the answers that mankind offers satisfy this question. From a skeptical standpoint, many people tod…

The sixth episode in our ongoing series on the book of Psalms. In Psalm 56 we see more of the trials which David endured and how his life was difficult in many ways that are different than our lives. We also see the quiet confidence of faith that trusts in God's ways, despite what seems contrary to faith on the outside. David echoes the sentiment o…

The fifth episode in our ongoing series on the book of Psalms. Psalm 59 contains several strong sentiments as David seeks God's deliverance from an array of enemies. The Bible speaks to many of the trials David endured as he sought to follow the plan that God had ordained for his life. For David, the fact that God was his strength and refuge was wh…

The fourth episode in our ongoing series on the book of Psalms. Psalm 5 demonstrates the clear standard that God has for complete righteousness. He does not tolerate wickedness and unbelief. Like David and the rest of humanity, we are helpless before God's demands. But we find peace in the message of God's mercy which is proclaimed in His house. Ma…

In our Bible Study series on the Psalms we continue with Psalm 144, a psalm with a very military feel. David was a mighty warrior, and this psalm seems to follow after at least some of his military victories. The earliest would have been against Goliath, but there were many more victories that would follow that first one. In battle, training is nec…

Was there really a global flood. This topic has been debated between Christians and Secularists for many decades. What is the evidence? What does the evidence point to? How do we interpret the evidence that we find throughout the world? In this episode of our debate series we are addressing whether there was a global flood. Join us for a valuable r…

Fear is a natural response of our fallen human nature that results from living in a fallen world and being helpless. Helpless and unable to save himself, David knew where to turn. He confessed: "Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?" (Psalm 5…

Do you know what it is like to be hunted by someone who wants you dead? David did. And in such a time he turned to the LORD for help and protection. Our devotion is based on Psalm 59:16: "But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble." The LORD pr…

In our Bible Study series on the Psalms we continue with Psalm 113, one of the "Hallel" Psalms or psalms of "Praise." While we don't know for sure who wrote this Psalm, it has a strong connection to the Second Commandment, but in a positive sense. The name of God (Yahweh, Jehovah) is mentioned eight times in this short psalm. The LORD wants us to u…

The two foundational teachings of the Bible are the Law and the Gospel. We see the ugly truth of the Law revealed and receive sweet and needed comfort and assurance from the Gospel. Our devotion is based on Psalm 5:4-5,7 "For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, Nor shall evil dwell with You. The boastful shall not stand in Your sigh…

We are beginning a new Bible Study series on the Psalms of the Old Testament to go along with our weekly devotions on the Psalms. In this series we will work through each of the 150 Psalms. We begin with Psalm 90, written by Moses as he describes the eternal nature of God and the struggles of the human life under the curse of sin. They will look at…

The love of the LORD to sinners such as us is enough to make a grown man cry. Yes, cry in a good sense, in thankfulness and praise for all that our Savior has done to accomplish my salvation. Our devotion is based on Psalm 144:3-4 "LORD, what is man, that You take knowledge of him? Or the son of man, that You are mindful of him? Man is like a breat…

This coming weekend the Christian Church celebrates the festival of Holy Trinity. Even though our entire Christian liturgy and worship (every Sunday!) emphasizes the doctrine of the Trinity, on this Sunday we have a special opportunity to reflect on this essential doctrinal truth of Christianity. Join Pastors Ben Libby and Nathanael Mayhew as they …

This morning we reflect on the nature of the LORD, the one true God and compare the LORD with the "gods" of the world. Our devotion is based on Psalm 113:5-6 "Who is like the LORD our God, Who dwells on high, Who humbles Himself to behold The things that are in the heavens and in the earth?" There are many counterfeit gods in our world, but none ar…