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.

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.

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 enemies, but this request is not based on subjective feelings, but is turned over to the LORD who judges in “truth” or “faithfulness.” What a wonderful example of what our attitude toward others should be in our own lives, which stems from our trust in the LORD's power and righteousness.

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 commandment from the Old Testament, namely that God expects people to obey and respect authorities. Pastors Mark and Neal take us through several examples in the Bible about Jesus respecting authorities and how the modern idea of Jesus as an activist is a myth.

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

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 them and for the sins of the world. Join us in this amazing description of the work of Jesus, our Messiah!

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.

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 is empty, but that the Christian's hope is true satisfaction with God in heaven.

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 Word.

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