Bethel Lbc Podcast

As we near the end of the Lenten season, Pastor Craig tackles a section of scripture that you may have heard before about how Jesus goes to prepare a place for you, and Jesus said "I Am the Way" to get there. Using a story of a country boy who goes to war, and is not able to continue many of the long-honored traditions of his family after he gets back home. Hear the parallels of this soldier and Jesus' promise to be "the Way." The reading comes from John 14:1-7.

In our series of the "I Am" statements of Jesus, we continue this week with the 5th in the series. Many people remember the illustration of Jesus saying He is the "Good Shepherd", and many times we may sit back (physically or spiritually) and think, "I already know this." But there are scriptures that support the idea that we should not just sit back, maybe we should meditate and contemplate what it all means in our lives. Our reading comes from John 10:9-21, and we also refer to the following passages: Psalm 19:14, Psalm 1:2, Joshua 1:8, Philippians 4:8, John 16:33, Psalm 46:1, Acts 2:38 and Matthew 28:20.

As we continue on this Fourth Sunday in Lent, we are looking at Jesus' "I Am" statements from the Gospel of John. This week, we learn that our Lord Jesus was talking with His disciples at the Last Supper about the important things of life, and He explained that we need to stay connected to the "True Vine", that is Jesus Himself. It's an interesting in poignant lesson for all believers to hear. Our main reading comes from John 15:1-10, but we also refer to Isaiah 55:8-9, James 4:8, Matthew 6:33, Galatians 5:22-23, 1 Peter 4:8, James 1:2, Philippians 4:7, Ephesians 3:20-21 and John 16:33.

For the Third Sunday in Lent, this week's message addresses 7 of the ways we think we get to heaven, but we actually don't. Jesus says "I Am the Door" and through an illustration showing us we can actually be trying to enter heaven through the wrong door, we also find out that those 7 ways are still part of our faith. This is a refreshing and interesting way to think about our faith. We read from the gospel of John 10:1-9a, and we also refer to Matthew 7:22-23.

In our second message in the series of "I Am" statements from the Gospel of John, Pastor Craig relates some interesting connections between the description of light, and Jesus who called Himself the "Light of the world". The number of similarities is not only impressive, it's enlightening as well. We read from John 1:1-5 and John 8:12. We also refer to Exodus 25:31-38 and 1 Kings 19:12.

As we begin this season of Lent, we are doing a series of messages focusing on the "I Am" statements of Jesus. This week, Jesus said "I Am the Bread of Life", and we relate it with a couple of simple illustrations: as though we are running a race, and as though we are grabbing that first and best cookie from the tray of treats. These stories help us bring Jesus' teachings close to home. Our reading is from John 6:25-39. 

As we conclude this Epiphany season, Pastor Craig uses yet another illustration of a famous architectural home, to illustrate our own affairs before God: the honor goes to the builder, not to the building itself and not to the owner. It's so applicable to our own lives. We read from Hebrews 3:1-6 and from Numbers 20:7-12.

As we come to the close of our series from First Corinthians, we once again look for those "A-ah!" moments during Epiphany. Pastor Craig uses the old story of "The Princess and the Pea" to illustrate how even the smallest sin needs to be dealt with, and how we can be true royalty because of Christ. Our reading comes from 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 and we also refer to John 5:28-29 and Romans 12:2.

In the next message in our series from 1st Corinthians, Pastor Craig takes us on a journey of words.  Using a popular song from the 1960's, a song you might just know, we find that the message behind the song, could also be "Words" sent to us from God Himself. We look at how our culture has let us down, and where we can find answers. Our reading comes from 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 and we also refer to Isaiah 40:28. 

As we continue in our series of messages from First Corinthians, Pastor Craig relates a story of a retiring house builder who misses an opportunity for his last house to be his best house. Comparing his experience with the ancient church in Corinth, we learn that it's a lesson we can all learn from, it applies even to us, today. Our reading is from 1 Corinthains 15:1-11, and we also refer to these passages: 1 Cor 1:2, Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 147:5.

Love is something we all desire. However it seems to be in short supply these days. This week, Pastor Craig uses the simple story of a boy having a dish of ice cream to illustrate what love looks like. Our reading comes from 1 Corinthians 13, also known as "The Love Chapter". We also refer to 1 John 4:9 and John 13:34. 

Continuing in our reading from last week, the Apostle Paul makes some amazingly earth shaking comments to the church there in Corinth, and if we're completely honest with ourselves, they are just as earth shaking today. On average, Americans spend more money to make themselves look good than they do in support for the church. How about you? Our reading is from 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, and we also refer to 1 Peter 5:8, John 8:44, 2 Corinthians 11:14 and John 14:6. 

Why is church boring? What is it that causes us to be rather "ho hum" about going to church? Why don't we participate? This week, Pastor Craig answers these questions from Paul's letter to the Corinthians where the question is answered for us today, just as it was answered to the first century church. This message can change your entire outlook on what a church is for and what we can do to make it more meaningful. The reading comes from 1 Corinthians, 12:1-11. 

This week, Pastor Craig introduces us to little Elliot, and little boy that has a kitchen mishap that illustrates our tendency as Christian to think that since God is full of so much grace, we can just keep on sinning. The Apostle Paul addressed that very issue by saying, in essence, "Not so fast!". Learn the clear distinction between a sinner and a person who is dead to sin. It might just be another Epiphany lesson. Our reading is from Romans 6:1-11, but we refer to other Romans verses including Rom 3:23, Rom 5:8 and Rom 6:23.

For Epiphany Sunday, Pastor Craig uses the story of a Christian family touring in a poor country. What new insight can you gain from this story? What new insight can you gain from the Christmas story? Listen to this week's message and hear about a pastor's many Epiphanies during this Christmastime. It may just challenge you!  Our reading comes from Ephesians 3:1-12, and we also refer to Matt, 11:29, Luke 1:32, Phil 4:7 and 1 John 4:19. 

On this, the first Sunday after Christmas, and just before the New Years Holiday, Pastor Craig helps us put on Jesus Fashions.  What we wear says a lot about us. Are you worried about the label people will put on you if you aren't wearing the proper designer label? This message helps put it all into perspective. Be prepared for a simple children's story with a big lesson. Our lesson comes from Colossians 3:12-17, and we also refer to John 15:16.

On this, the Fourth Sunday in Advent, we continue our preparation for the coming Savior at Christmastime. This week, Pastor Craig uses some interesting illustrations of true, heartfelt love: the excitement of the birth of a baby, and the story of a couple's undying love for each other as they get a Christmas gift for each other. The Lord Jesus comes to earth out of excitement and out of undying love. . . . for "you"! Our reading is from Luke 1:39-45. 

Phyllis Thompson, one of our dear church members, passed away on December 16, 2018. Here's her Obituary and a message that informs all of us how we should deal with death.

On this, the Third Sunday in Advent, we continue our preparation for the coming Savior. This week, Pastor Craig tells the story of an overturned boat and it's captain who nearly dies at sea, but is rescued from his near death experience. He describes his new outlook on life with joy! So is our situation with our coming Rescuer, the Lord Jesus who we anticipate coming at Christmastime. Our reading is from Philippians 4:4-7, but we also refer to these passages: Romans 6:23, 1 Corinthians 16:9, 2 Corinthians 1:8b-9 and Philippians 1:28.

Does it seem like life is often confusing? Don't we often experience turmoil and conflict? This message for the second Sunday in Advent concentrates on God's Peace that comes to us during Christmas. Using the example of two artistic masterpieces that each illustrate peace, it might seem odd which one illustrates it best. This week, our reading comes from Philippians 1:2-11, and we also refer to these scripture verses: Isaiah 9:6, Philippians 4:7, Isaiah 55:8-9, Luke 2:13-14, Philippians 3:20, Psalm 46:1, Luke 8:24 and 1 Thessalonians 5:23.