Bethel Lbc Podcast

Pentecost Sunday marks the half-way point in the church calendar, a time when the holiday season is over, and now "life in Christ" begins. Pastor Craig uses the illustration of the gift of a specially made quilt (a comforter) to help grasp the idea that God's Holy Spirit comes to us to give us a Comforter (notice the capitalized 'C'). The scripture reading comes from Acts 2:1-21, and we also recall some other verses from the King James Bible that use that term "Comforter": John 14:26, 15:26, 16:7.

On this, the last Sunday of the Easter season, we wrap up the "Greater" series by concentrating on "Greater Suffering".  Pastor Craig gets into his own personal testimony, and puts "suffering" in a new light. Bible passages used in this episode include: Acts 1:12-26; Psalm 19:14; 1 Peter 4:12-19, 5:6-11; Romans 5:8, John 1:3; Colossians 1:16; Psalm 100:3, Romans 14:8; 1 John 3:1 and 1 Corinthians 6:19. 

As we progress through the Easter Season, we focus again on the Resurrection and the "Greater Reason" we have for our existence and for our faith. Pastor Craig brings a two-part sermon this week, concentrating on lessons from Acts and 1 Peter. This week we examine the idols we set up in our life, and we are challenged to explain the "Greater Reason" we have for the hope we have as a believer. The scripture references this week include Acts 17:16-31, 2 Corinthians 2:16-17b, 1 Peter 3:13-22 and 1 John 4:8.

On this Mothers Day Edition of the weekly message, we are challenged with two different scripture stories with a common lesson, the Christian is called to "Greater Growth" in our life as a believer. First we hear about the story of Stephen, who was busy doing his work for the Lord, and was stoned to death. Then, we hear Peter talking to a "disbursed and diverse" audience that even includes us, today.  Whether we work in ministry like Stephen did, or we live as a body of believers that is truly different from, but serving the world, either way, we are called to an eternal task. Today, Pastor Craig helps us contemplate and consider that call. The Bible readings come from Acts 6:1-9, Acts 7:2a, 51-60, Acts 8:1a - and then 1 Peter 2:2-10.

The first week back in church after COVID-19 isolation, it is truly great to be back in the church sanctuary. This week, Pastor Craig puts the current church in perspective against the backdrop of today's Bible readings and it is clear that we are truly blessed because of what God has done for us. It's just like the early church. Listen for a challenging and uplifting message. Bible references used in this message include: Acts 2:42-47, 2 Timothy 2:9, 1 Corinthians 9:22, Romans 5:3, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Psalm 19:14 and Luke 23:46.

Today's Bible references used in this service so you can look them up on your own study time: Psalm 116:1-14; 1 Timothy 4:13; Acts 2:14, 36-41; 2 Corinthians 4:18; 1 Peter 1:17-25; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Jude 25, Hebrews 13:20-21.

Just as the Apostle Peter spoke to a distressed audience, so Peter speaks to us, a distressed audience as we continue to be in voluntary isolation from the coronavirus. But our reading today doesn't give us reason to whine or grumble, instead it reminds us of things that are of far greater worth.  This week, Pastor Craig uses the comparison of an expensive home, a high-priced car and an unique wristwatch to illustrate what is of real value, what is of far "Greater Worth". The Bible references used in today's podcast are: Psalm 148; 1 Timothy 4:13; 1 Peter 1:3-9; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Timothy 4:10; Colossians 3:24; Ephesians 2:1, 12; Mark 4:19, John 16:33, 19:30, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Jude 25, Hebrews 13:20-21 

It's Easter Sunday, and for many people today, our world seems "Unexpectedly Empty". In the midst of isolation and quarantine during the Coronavirus pandemic, our world just seems so different. This week, Pastor Craig examines the various ways in which we live our lives, and how God speaks to us in each of them. Even in this time of COVID-19, God is speaking to us. The question is, why is the church building empty? Why are schools, restaurants and store shelves empty too? Hear how it all makes sense at Easter. Bible references used in today’s message: Psalm 16: 1-11, John 20:1-18, 2 Kings 7:1, Psalm 19:14, Matthew 26:14-16, 27:3-5, Luke 22:32-34, 54-62, Mark 14:32-41, 55-59, 15:12-15, Isaiah 53:1-5a, Matthew 27:31-43, Luke 23:44-46, Matthew 28:1-10, Philippians 2:9, Jude 25, Isaiah 43. 

On this Palm Sunday "Special Edition" of the podcast, we look at those who witnessed Jesus as He rode into Jerusalem. They needed a "Changed View".  Their perception of the Savior, though it was happy and enthusiastic, wasn't fully correct. Our perception of Jesus is much the same way, we might be one to give Christ a pointing finger of approval, but that isn't really what He's after. He's after something more significant. Find out more in this week's podcast. Scripture references used today include: Psalm 31:9-16, John 12:12-19, Zechariah 9:9, Psalm 19:14, Romans 8:28–29, Psalm 46:10, Jude 25, Numbers 6:24-26. We also had some fun with a certain young lady who sang an old favorite song with some sound effects. Check it out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSZxmZmBfnU

Due to the coronavirus, this is our second week that we didn't meet in person, but we still proclaim God's Word. This special edition of the podcast, we look at a familiar "No Condemnation" verse. During this season of Lent, we look at another aspect of why we need Christ. This week's Bible references include Psalm 130:1-8, Romans 8:1-11, Psalm 19:14, Romans 8:38–39, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 3:26, Ephesians 1:4, Ephesians 1:7, 2 Timothy 1:9, 1 John 1:9, Philippians 4:3, Hebrews 12:21ff, Jude 25, Numbers 6:24-26 

This Special Edition of the podcast breaks from our usual format, in that, like thousands of other churches, we are not meeting this week because of the coronavirus. So this podcast becomes a substitute. Our main reading is from Ephesians 5:8-14. We also refer to 1 John 1:7, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Romans 12:2, Matthew 25:45, Romans 13:1-2, Matthew 6:19, Psalm 23:4, 2 Chronicles 7:14-16, Psalm 122:1, Jude 25 and Psalm 19:14.  And check out these youTube links for the songs referred to in the message. #1 Wake Up O Sleeper   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8yroLdUBaI#2  Psalm 23   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpM1HgC7NCo#3  The House of the Lord    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Op3nTdVVd-c 

In light of the coronavirus that has made such a tremendous impact on our world, Pastor Craig helps us process this crisis, and put it into proper perspective. As you listen, consider what category you fall into: 1)Do you outright deny it? 2) Do you still not want to believe it because you just want to live like you have been?   3)Maybe you just don’t SAY MUCH, because you don’t know WHAT to believe any more. 4) Is it really a threat or is it all about a big deception. These are the line of questions Pastor Craig leads us through as we consider the lessons this world-wide virus is teaching us. The main reading is from Romans 5:1-8. We also refer to, Ecclesiastes 1:2, John 16:33 and John 11:25-26.

On this Second Sunday in Lent, Pastor Craig helps us examine the part of our lives that we do, the activities we do for a living, for our jobs, careers, etc. In modern America, we are all about our job, our life, our family and our hobbies.  Are they really that important? "Sure!" we say, "These are the things that make me, 'ME'!" Is that really true? Listen and find out! The reading comes from Romans 4:1-8 and 13-17. Pastor opens the message with Psalm 19:14, and he also refers to 2 Thessalonians 3:12.

As we enter the season of Lent we reflect on the reason Jesus came to earth, that reason is to save us from our sin. But if you're like most people, you have a hard time admitting the sin within you. Using a couple of personal stories to illustrate, Pastor Craig tells us about a couple of injuries a couple of guys named Craig had and how it makes it hard to admit our brokenness. Our main reading is Romans 5:12-19, but we also use Psalm 19:14, James 2:10, Romans 3:23 and 6:23, 1 John 1:9 and 4:19, Psalm 32, 5-6 and 81.5, Proverbs 28:13 and Acts 3:19. 

This week Pastor Craig explains an interesting setup for the reading from the Apostle Peter. The world had changed, people were beginning to doubt what Jesus had promised (sounds like today, doesn't it?), and people were beginning to doubt their faith. Hear a great message this week as we wrap up the Epiphany season and head into Lent. Our main reading is from 2 Peter 1:16-21, and we also quote from the following Bible passages: Matthew 4:18ff, Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:7, Luke 4:8, 2 Thessalonians 1:8b-9, John 8:36, Proverbs 17:17, 1 Peter 4:10, Jude 25 and our introductory verse Psalm 19:14

When unexpected events happen in our life, it's often easy to feel sorry for yourself, even cry over the situation. Sometimes, those events are God's way of getting our attention, sometimes unexpected things are intended to make us grow up.  This week, Pastor Craig speaks about ways in which we become "Mature In Christ."  Our reading is from 1st Corinthians 3:1-9. We also refer to Galatians 6:9, Isaiah 43:7, Romans 3:10, Isaiah 64:6 and Matthew 4:17. 

The message doesn't get any simpler than this. Pastor Craig helps us through a passage from the Apostle Paul in First Corinthians that is amazing in it's simplicity, and yet amazing in it's power. Do w want our pastor to be successful? Of course we do! But here, we get a completely different look at what a pastor should be, and what each parishioner should be. Our main reading is from 1 Corinthians 2:1-12. We also refer to Philippians 4:13, Proverbs 16:3, Psalm 37:4, and compare 1 Cor 2:9 with Isaiah 64:4.

Hebrews makes an incredible claim that is as true as it is personal, Jesus came to be fully human, to prove the Devil wrong, and to be our very own personal High Priest. It's an amazing story and becomes three more flashes of insight that we gain during this time of Epiphany. Pastor Craig's readings this week come from Hebrews 2:14-18, Job 11:7-9, Romans 8:31, Romans 11:33-34, Isaiah 55:8-9, 1 Peter 5:8 and 1 Corinthians 15:57, 58.

Did your Mom ever correct you? Did you hear "Quit your bickering!" when arguments between you and your sibling got too heated? In short, that's what the Apostle Paul is saying in today's reading from 1 Corinthians 1:10-18. Pastor Craig unpacks some fascinating lessons that just may help you live a better life in Christ. 

The standard readings for the Second Sunday After Epiphany this week take us to 1 Corinthians, and Pastor Craig walks through the opening verses of this important book, setting the stage and explaining what was all going on in that ancient city of Corinth on the southern tip of the Greek peninsula. Our reading comes from 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, and we also refer to Galatians 5:22-23.