Bethel Lbc Podcast

As Pastor Craig opened his Bible this week to find a little golden nugget to share, he didn't find one. Instead, he found a whole Treasure Chest from the Apostle Paul. The 4th Chapter of Philippians is full of golden nuggets of inspiration and encouragement, if we'd only put away the distractions of the world and look.

In Paul's letter to the Philippians, he makes a dramatic illustration, that all the deep traditions and reputation of his previous life means nothing compared to the life he has in Christ. Pastor Craig makes some interesting illustrations to drive this point home. What's in YOUR name? Does it reflect the name of Christ? Does it even have to?

Something as simple as an airline flight can help us put "Life In Perspective". As Pastor Craig reviews the lesson the Apostle Paul gives in Philippians, we can see a perfect example and and understanding that helps us live a more joyful life. As a fun little game see if you can count the 19 times Pastor Craig repeats the title phrase in this message. The main reading comes from Philippians 1:12ff. Also referred to are James 1:2, Galatians 5:22-23, 2 Corinthians 4:8-10, 2 Corinthians 7:4 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Those who are lovers of horses know the importance and the purpose of blinders. Blinders keep the horse's vision centered where it ought to be. As Christians, we often find ourselves with blinders on. Addressing the Apostle Paul's teaching that we ought to honor the beliefs of those who have faith practices that are different from our own, this is a practical application of an important spiritual principle. The main text comes from Romans 14:1-12. We also refer to Matthew 9:13 and Hebrews 10:18.

It seems everyone these days, even Christians, are caught up in criticism of the government. In Paul's letter to the Romans, we are told where authority comes from, and how we are to live as grace-filled believers. Pastor Craig relates some personal stories as well as some of the major events that have hit the news lately, to illustrate that as believers, we are still called to trust in our Savior. Pastor Craig's reading comes from Romans 13:1-10, but also John 14:6, Luke 21:25-28 and Psalm 19:14.

Pastor Dan Chell fills in on this Labor Day weekend message, about taking the opportunity and "Coming Apart" in a positive way, so you don't come apart in a negative way. The message is based on Mark 6:30-32.

This week's message, taken from Matthew 16:13-18, recounts the exchange between our Lord Jesus and Simon, who had a name change to Peter. It's an exchange that Pastor Craig brings home to you and I: Who do YOU say that the Son of Man is? It's an important question built with the Building Blocks of those before. Lot's of great practical lessons here, that are built on previous lessons. Besides the Matt text, we also refer to Genesis 1:1, Revelation 1:8, 1 Corinthians 3:12, John 1:3 & 3:16 and Galatians 6:15.

This week, Pastor Craig takes a childhood story of playing in a mud puddle and relates it to Jesus' lesson of what actually pollutes us before God. He even relates it to a popular song from the 1960's, do you remember Crimson and Clover? Bible references used include Matthew 15:10-20, Matthew 11:29 Luke 12:48, 1 Peter 3:4, Numbers 5:2, 19:12-13, Deuteronomy 14, Leviticus 11, 15:31, 17:16, 18:25.

Pastor Craig brings an interesting message, delivered at the funeral of Bessie Jorgensen, who lived a full 102 years.

Many times we think we've heard a bible story before, and we already understand its lesson. But Pastor Craig brings a reversal, of sorts, in the old familiar story of Jesus walking on the water. Listen and get a completely different perspective. The main reading is from Matthew 14:22-33. Additional references referred to include: Matthew 28:20, Psalm 33:4, Psalm 130:7, Revelation 19:11.

Pastor Dan Chell from Our Redeemers Lutheran Church in Minot, ND fills in as Pastor Craig takes a Sunday off.

Those Parables of Jesus just don't seem logical, do they? This week, Pastor Craig addresses that concern as he continues the discussion of the meaning of the hidden treasure, the pearl of great value and the net that catches both good and bad fish. The main text is Matthew 13:44-52, but also referred to are these scripture references: 1 Corinthians 14:33, Matthew 13:36, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Genesis 1:26-27, Ephesians 2:10, Deuteronomy 30:19-20a.

It seems so many areas in our state are concerned about moisture. We've had such small amounts of moisture, but it seems that no matter what, the weeds always do well. In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus tells a parable about weeds: "Don't pull the weeds", the Farmer said, "for it might damage some of the good crop." What are the weeds in your life? What areas of life need to be weeded out? Pastor Craig explores this and some interesting observations about the reading. The main text is Matthew 13:24-30 and 36-43. Look at other uses of the term "Kingdom of Heaven" and where they're found. Matthew 3:2, 4:17, 5:3, 10, 19, 20, 7:21, 8:11, 10:7, 11:11, 12, 13:11, 24, 31, 33, 44, 45, 47, 52, 16:19, 18:1, 3, 4, 23, 19:12, 14, 23, 20:1, 22:2, 23:13, 25:1, What's your reaction when you see that they are ONLY found in Matthew?

Pastor Craig examines a familiar passage of scripture where Jesus says "My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Are "Old-Fashioned" illustrations like this even relevant in a hi-tech world? Or does the world simply write them off as irrelevant? Listen and follow along in your Bible. The main text is Matthew 11:25-30, but Ecclesiastes 1:9-11, Genesis 6:5 and Jeremiah 17:9 are also referred to.

In this week's message, we see out how easy it is to misunderstand words and ideas. This week's reading from Matthew 10 is easy to Mis-Take as well. It sounds like Jesus is completely contradicting what He came for, and it appears He's picking a fight. Listen as Pastor Craig explains how slight changes in the way Greek words are translated can give us a whole new perspective. This encouraging and comforting message comes from Matthew 10:34-42. Other scriptures referred to in this message include 1 Timothy 4:1, James 1:22, Ephesians 6:10-18 and Hebrews 4:12.

Our guest speaker today is Geremy Olson. His ministry is called 241 Ministries, and Geremy brings the morning message to us as Pastor Craig takes a vacation week.

Pastor Craig honors Fathers in this message about the life stages of every male. Just because you're young, or just because you're old, or even in between, it doesn't mean your not included in God's plan for your life.

Our Church just previously completed a week of Vacation Bible School, and today we read Jesus' Great Commission and consider 3 C's: Commencement, Commission and Commandment. We often hear them together, but they do not necessarily mean the same thing. Listen as Pastor Craig brings a message of how these three terms puts things into perspective as to how to live and obey as God's people. Scripture Passages include: Matthew 28:16-20, Matthew 11:29 (NIV & ERV), Joshua 24:24, Luke 11:28 and 1 Corinthians 4:1.

Pastor Craig begins with an experience of the tour of a electric power plant, and expands it to illustrate the benefits we gain from the massive power grid available to us as Americans. How foolish it would be to "shut it off." In comparison, this power is tiny compared to the infinite power of God, and yet as humans, it is our tendency to turn off the power of God for all kinds of reasons. How foolish! What must we do to be empowered by God's Holy Spirit and live Godly lives. We discuss this theme in this Pentecost Sunday message. The main text is John 7:37-39, but Acts 2:1-21 was read earlier in the service and reading it may give you some added perspective. Also: 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 12:2, Philippians 2:3-4 and Matthew 5:3-10

Because of some technical difficulties at church this week, we are not able to bring you the recorded message, so Pastor Craig brings you this weeks message from his office. It comes from Jesus' "High Priestly Prayer" as recorded in John 17:1-11. We discuss "What Would Jesus Do?" and it's implications for us and OUR prayer life. Is it possible to pray the way Jesus did? Do you glorify God in your life and in your prayers? Just as Jesus talked to people about God, Jesus also talked to God about people, and it becomes a perfect model for us to follow. Other scripture verses used today include Ephesians 2:8-10, Psalm 8:5, Psalm 139:14 and 2 Timothy 1:9. We hope you enjoy today's message.