Burden & Blessing

In this Bible Study episode, Pastors Nathanael Mayhew and Mark Tiefel take us back into the Old Testament and the book of Joshua.  This book picks up where Deuteronomy leaves off, as the Children of Israel prepare to enter into the promised land under the leadership of Joshua.  They discuss the background and history of the book inclunding the conquering of the promised land, and people like Rahab whom God spared.  In addition, Joshua is a picture of Jesus in many ways and share the same name (Joshua and Jesus are the same name, one is Hebrew, the other Greek).  Both lead their people into the promised land (Israel / Heaven), both are powerful leaders (physical / spiritual).  They discuss the way in which God treats the heathen nations and have them destroyed.  First we need to remember that we all deserve to die because of our sin.  We deserve to be judged by God.  While God is love, He is also just.  In order to be just, He must punish sin.  God’s judged the sin of the heathen nations through the nation of Israel, and He did this so that He could accomplish His salvation through the nation of Israel and the coming of the Savior Jesus.  It is here that God’s love and judgment come together in perfect harmony.  May the Lord bless your study of this book which points to the salvation of God for sinners!

As we begin a new year Pastor Mark Tiefel defines the word providence in our Word of the Week. At the very begining of the world God assures us that He will care for His creation and provides for all people.  The knowledge of God’s providence or care for all creation is meant to lead us to a knowledge of God’s love for us and His salvation.  Jesus reminds us that if God cares for the birds and the flowers of creation, we can be sure that He cares for us because we are of more value than they.  We don’t need to worry, but we can be confident that as He cares for us physically, he will also care for us spiritually.  If He gave His own Son for us, what won’t He give for us?  If God is for us, no enemy can stand against us!  May the Lord encourage and comfort you with that truth throughout this new year of His grace!