PODCAST · religion
The Weekly Word from Burns
by Burns Church
Step into the life of Burns Church with our weekly messages that that invite reflection, growth, and grace. Whether you're part of the community or just tuning in, this podcast offers a chance to re-listen, dig deeper, and discover how faith shows up in everyday moments.
Episodes
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Unarmed and Unafraid: The Arrest of Jesus
When a heavily armed mob of hundreds shows up in the middle of the night to arrest one unarmed teacher, it’s easy to assume the teacher is the one in danger. But if you look closely at the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, you'll notice something surprising: everyone is terrified…
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When You're in the Oil Press: Lessons from Gethsemane
When You're in the Oil Press: Lessons from Gethsemane As we begin our Lenten journey toward the cross, we start in a place of profound heaviness and ultimate surrender: the Garden of Gethsemane. But Gethsemane wasn't just a random grove of trees. It is a deeply significant biblical landmark—the...
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Time to Get Ready
Over the next six weeks, we’ll be tracing the steps of Jesus all the way from His agonizing prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane to His final moments on the cross. But before we take that journey, we have to prepare. In this episode, we dive into the intense, 40-day baptism preparations of the…
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Whose Voice Do You Recognize?
Jesus says His sheep know His voice—so why is it so hard for us to hear Him? This week, we look at the difference between the Good Shepherd and the imposters (the thief and the hireling). Plus, an experiment and a lesson on "body language" from our sign language interpreter. In this episode: The...
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The Fence vs The Playground: Overcoming Decision Paralysis with Discernment
Is God’s will a specific dot you have to hit, or a circle you get to live in? Many of us live with a functional theology that God is a micromanager, obsessing over our non-moral choices. But a closer look at Scripture—from the Garden of Eden to the Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15—reveals a God…
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The Trustworthiness Test
If the Devil is the "Father of Lies," then discernment is the Christian's most essential survival skill. But how do you hone it? In this episode, we move beyond the "don't lie" Sunday School lesson and tackle the harder question: How do we keep from getting duped? Whether you’re evaluating a...
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What is real? How can I tell?
Not everything is as it seems. Whether it’s a $27.50 Magna Carta that turned out to be priceless or a "trustworthy" person who turns out to be false, we are facing a crisis of discernment. Gullibility isn't a spiritual gift. Discernment is! So how do we move beyond naivety and learn to see things...
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2026: REAL
Is the picture I'm looking at real or was it generated by AI? Is this relationship real or is it just superficial and convenient? Is this leader really looking out for our best interest or is he just charismatic and engaging? Is my faith real and genuine or is it my parent's faith? Is this idea...
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Faithful in Little (2025 Year in Review)
It feels like we just started 2025, yet here we are at the finish line. Why do we treat life like a test we can cram for the night before? In this final sermon of the year, we explore the danger of "cramming" for spiritual growth and the alternative Jesus offers: the quiet power of "little by...
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Christmas Playlist #4
"O Come All Ye Faithful" sounds like an incredible invitation to worship, and it is... ...but are we actually all that faithful? Join Chuck Ramseur this week as we study the incredible invitation of Jesus, not just for the faithful, but for the unfaithful, too.
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Christmas Playlist #3
How do we speak to a world that doesn't know the Bible? We follow Paul's example in Athens. In this sermon, we explore Acts 17 and the art of finding "good dreams" in our culture that point to the true story of Jesus. We discuss how even a simple story like Rudolph can remind us of the One who…
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Christmas Playlist #2
This week, join Chuck Ramseur, James Hinkle, Greer Hinson, and Matthew Hiatt was we look at how one of the world's most popular Christmas songs (a song that was actually written about the second coming) points us to Jesus!
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Christmas Playlist #1
Plato once said that if you want to change the laws of a state, you first change its music. Every December, our culture instinctively changes its playlist. From Mariah Carey to Bing Crosby, we fill the airwaves with songs that—whether they realize it or not—reveal a deep hunger for the…
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Ezekiel #5: The Gospel According to Ezekiel
Ezekiel has been a hard road. We've seen wheels within wheels, dry bones, and difficult prophecies. It feels like a book that is miles away from the grace of the New Testament. But what if we told you that Ezekiel is actually full of Jesus? In the finale of our Strange Faithfulness series, we are...
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Ezekiel #4: The Turn that Changes Everything
The Power of the Turn (Ezekiel and Repentance) What do you do when you miss your exit in life? Do you keep driving and hope for the best, or do you stop and recalculate? The word "repentance" often feels intimidating, but the Prophet Ezekiel had a simpler word for it: Turn. This week we strip…
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Ezekiel #3: Bearers of Good News
What is the "Good News" that can feel like "Bad News"? In this powerful message from Ezekiel 18, Matthew tackles a tough Biblical tension: personal accountability vs. generational sin. The exiled Israelites had a popular proverb: "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are…
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Ezekiel #2: Bearers of Bad News
Giving bad news is a heavy burden, one that shatters a person's world into a "before and after." But it is sometimes the most essential message we can receive. This week, we confront the raw, uncomfortable message of the prophet Ezekiel. Empowered by God's Spirit, Ezekiel had to deliver a...
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Ezekiel #1: Strange Faithfulness: Ezekiel in Exile
Where does God hang out? (Hint: Not just church.) Who does he hang out with? (Hint: Not just "church people.") What does he really look like? (Hint: Not Gandalf.) Many of our ideas about God are too small, too safe, and just plain wrong. This Sunday, we're letting Ezekiel 1 be a "wrecking ball"…
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On Baptism
What do joining the military, becoming a citizen, and starting a new job all have in common? They all have an "initiation ritual"—a swearing-in ceremony. Following Jesus is no different. We call it baptism. While it's easy to get lost in arguments about how, when, or why it's done, this message...
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Greater Faith (with Chuck Ramseur)
"How long, O Lord?" From the brokenness of our world to the secret doubts in our own hearts, we all ask this question. This week, Chuck Ramseurs takes a magnifying glass to Psalm 13 and the confession of a struggling believer: "I am no longer sure I am in Jesus... I just don't know anymore." By...
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Little Thing #10: Pursue Justice
Are you tired of grand, empty religious gestures? Do you suspect that what you do on Sunday matters less than how you live on Tuesday? This week, we dive deep into Micah 6:8, the most famous summary of God’s will, and discover the "little things" that truly matter: doing justice, loving kindness,...
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Little Thing #9: Share Lunch
Jesus said the one who is faithful in little will be faithful in much. We’ve been talking about the small, intentional habits that make a big difference in following him, and this week's "little thing" is all about food! Did you know some of the Bible's most important moments happened over a…
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Little Thing #8: Give Generously
Did you know the Bible's passages on giving aren't about tithing laws, but disaster relief? Join us as we look at the early church—from the generous Barnabas, whose giving earned him the nickname "Son of Encouragement," to the incredibly poor but sacrificial Macedonians. We’ll explore the seven...
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Little Thing #7: Obey Now
Today, we're diving straight into one of the most challenging passages in the entire Bible: 1 Samuel, chapter 15. It's a text that features God giving a command so brutal and absolute it makes even the most faithful among us wince. If you find yourself asking, “Why would God ever say that?”—good....
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Little Thing #6: Listen Well
The biblical figure Samuel is impressive: He was the last judge of Israel, anointed two kings (Saul and David), and even made a dramatic post-mortem appearance in scripture. But the truly amazing part of his story is how it began. In this powerful episode, we explore the simple, yet profound, act...
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Little Thing #5: Serve Quietly
Is Your Love Loud or Quiet? You know the big, flashy stuff: speaking in tongues, moving mountains, making grand gestures. The Apostle Paul said those acts mean absolutely nothing without love. But if love is the most important thing, how can you truly tell if you have it? This week, we dive into...
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Little Thing #4: Pray Always
Do you struggle to pray consistently? Do you wonder if your prayers are truly powerful? We often think of prayer as a lever—something we have to push hard enough, long enough, or just right to get God to act. But what if we're focusing on the wrong thing? In this powerful episode, we use the…
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Little Thing #3: Speak Life!
Do you ever feel like your words don't matter? Think again. In this episode, we're diving into one of the most daunting leadership jobs in history—leading the cranky, rebellious Israelites—and the powerful three-word strategy God gave Moses to prepare his successor, Joshua: Charge, Encourage, and...
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Little Thing #2: Show Up!
"He didn't leave home intending to slay a giant. He just showed up for his brothers, and God took care of the rest." What if the most impactful step you could take in life was also the simplest? Join us this week as we dive into a message inspired by the unforgettable faithfulness of Jim and…
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Little Thing #1: Invite Boldly
Do you ever feel awkward talking about faith? We all know faithfulness matters, but what about the little things? This week, we tackle one specific, powerful action: Inviting Boldly. You might think people don't want to come to church—but the research says you're wrong. In fact, most unchurched...
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Impossible Steps (Joshua #5)
When God Stops Time (Joshua 9 & 10) Can your God stop a raging river? Yes. Can he collapse a fortified city? Yes. Can he stop the sun and moon? This week, we confront the most mind-bending miracle in the book of Joshua: the day God literally extended time to ensure Israel's victory. While the…
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A Step of Repentance (Joshua #4)
The Fatal Flaw (Joshua 7) How did the army that just toppled the mighty city of Jericho get routed by a tiny, forgotten town? This week, we confront the stunning defeat at Ai. It wasn't about superior strategy or bigger numbers—it was about a single, hidden sin that had a catastrophic impact on…
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Steps of Celebration (Joshua #3)
The Step After the Step (Joshua 4 & 5) You took the step of faith, the miracle happened, and you saw God move... Now what? We all experience "mountaintop moments" with God, only to quickly descend back into forgetfulness and fear. This week, as Israel stands triumphant on the other side of the...
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A Step of Faith (Joshua #2)
How do you conquer an intimidating, giant-patrolled Promised Land? You start by walking straight into a raging, flooded river. In this powerful message, we dive into the incredible story of Israel crossing the Jordan—a journey that required them to take a physical step into the water before the...
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Steps of Preparation (Joshua #1)
Before the Promise, there was the preparation. Moses is gone, the wilderness wandering is over, and an entire generation stands on the edge of the Promised Land. The baton is passed to Joshua, but how did this "assistant" get ready for the biggest leadership role of his life? Dive into the first...
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Jars, a Rock, A Trumpet, an Oxgoad, an Empty Plate, and a Pitch Pipe
What Do Jars, a Rock, and a Trumpet Have in Common? If you were facing an army, a giant, or a walled city, what weapons would you choose? A missile? A tank? A machine gun? In this message, we dive into five crazy Biblical battles where God's people faced impossible odds armed with the most...
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Sunday: The Fragrance of the Cross
The Aroma of Life 🌸👃 We've walked through Holy Week, experiencing the sorrow, service, and sacrifice. Today, we stand at the empty tomb! Did you know the Bible is a smelly book? From the pleasing aroma of Noah's sacrifice to the holy incense God prescribed, smell is deeply connected to memory…
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Friday: The Garden and the Cross
It’s Good Friday—the pivotal moment of Holy Week. Today, we pause for a reflective "Sermon in Song" to sit with Jesus in His darkest hours. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was "sorrowful and troubled, even to death." His friends slept, and He begged His Father: "if it be possible, let this cup...
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Thursday: When Jesus Washed Feet
Today, we pause on Maundy Thursday to reflect on Jesus' most radical act of service: washing the feet of His disciples (John 13). We often admire the symbol of foot washing, but Jesus' command was clear: "I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you." We're…
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Wednesday: Mary and Judas
A Year’s Wages Wasted? Love vs. Logic at the Dinner Table. It’s Holy Week Wednesday, and Jesus is at a dinner party in Bethany—a room packed with people who have literally been brought back from the brink of death: Simon the former leper, and Lazarus the man raised from the dead. Amid this...
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Tuesday: Are You Ready?
Can You Stay Awake Forever? (Hint: No.) It's Holy Week Tuesday—the last day Jesus walked the earth before the events of the Passion began. Today, we slow down and listen to the longest, most challenging sermon Jesus ever preached: the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25). The disciples were worried...
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Monday: Time to Make Room (with Chuck Ramseur)
Have you heard the story of the Cleansing of the Temple? What was going on when Jesus made the whip and turned over the tables? How do we need to make room in our hearts for his message.
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Palm Sunday: What a Weird King!
Spring cleaning for the soul starts NOW! 🌱 Today, we kick off our Holy Week series by transporting back to Palm Sunday. Forget what you expect from a king—Jesus rides in on a colt, not a war horse, and instead of calling for battle, He weeps. Why? Because He's the weirdest... and best... King…
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Malformation & Reformation
Do you ever feel "malformed" by life? 🤔 The Bible is full of stories about people who let pride, comfort, or control warp their faith. We're diving into the powerful stories of Ananias & Sapphira, Peter, and Simon the Magician to see how spiritual malformation happens. But here's the good news…
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What is spiritual formation, anyway?
The term "Spiritual Formation" gets thrown around a lot, but what does it really mean? Simply put, it's submitting to the Holy Spirit to make us more like Jesus. In this message, we explore why this process is the church's ultimate mission. We look at key passages like 2 Peter 3:18, Ephesians…
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Who Formed You?
Take a listen to the stories of a few men at Burns and how God has worked to form them. What do you notice they have in common?
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Lessons from a Mustard Seed
Ever heard the phrase "faith like a mustard seed?" Of course you have. It's one of Christianity's most ubiquitous, and often misunderstood, sayings. In this powerful message, we dive deep into the Bible to look at Two Tales of the Mustard Seed. You might be surprised to learn that Jesus uses this...
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Practicing the Way
What Does It Really Mean to Follow Jesus? Most people have it wrong. Following Jesus is more than going to church, trying to be good, or having a vague sense of "spirituality." We get honest about the three biggest challenges every single Christian faces: We can’t see Him, we constantly get...
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How God Does Math
Is the story of the widow's two coins a feel-good story, or a scathing critique? Most of us miss the crucial context. Just moments before watching the widow, Jesus condemns the religious leaders for "devouring widow's houses." In this episode, we explore how this story is a living example of that...
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You Don't Have to Save the World...
New Year, New Focus: The 2025 Theme Is Here! Sermons can be terrible in all sorts of predictable ways—and the annual look-back/look-ahead message is often the worst offender! In this message, Matthew not only revisits 10 years of past themes (from "Simply Christian" to "Perspective"), but also...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Step into the life of Burns Church with our weekly messages that that invite reflection, growth, and grace.
Whether you're part of the community or just tuning in, this podcast offers a chance to re-listen, dig deeper, and discover how faith shows up in everyday moments.
HOSTED BY
Burns Church
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Weekly Word from Burns have?
The Weekly Word from Burns currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Weekly Word from Burns about?
Step into the life of Burns Church with our weekly messages that that invite reflection, growth, and grace. Whether you're part of the community or just tuning in, this podcast offers a chance to re-listen, dig deeper, and discover how faith shows up in everyday moments.
How often does The Weekly Word from Burns release new episodes?
The Weekly Word from Burns has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Weekly Word from Burns?
You can listen to The Weekly Word from Burns on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Weekly Word from Burns?
The Weekly Word from Burns is created and hosted by Burns Church.
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