Burden & Blessing

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)

source https://burdenblessing.podbean.com/e/44-2-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)

source https://burdenblessing.podbean.com/e/43-1-thessalonians-summary-verse/

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. 

source https://burdenblessing.podbean.com/e/study-of-genesis-chapter-3/

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)

source https://burdenblessing.podbean.com/e/42-matthew-summary-verse/

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)

source https://burdenblessing.podbean.com/e/41-galatians-summary-verse/

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. 

source https://burdenblessing.podbean.com/e/study-of-genesis-chapter-2/

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)

source https://burdenblessing.podbean.com/e/40-james-summary-verse/

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)

source https://burdenblessing.podbean.com/e/39-malachi-summary-verse/

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)

source https://burdenblessing.podbean.com/e/38-nehemiah-summary-verse/

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)

source https://burdenblessing.podbean.com/e/37-ezra-summary-verse/