Bethel LBC Podcast

As we continue to work our way through Mark's Gospel, Jesus addresses the important topic of marriage and divorce. It's a timely discussion, and Pastor Craig makes some valid points about how we, as husbands and wives, should view marriage -  and divorce. The scripture reading comes from Mark 10:2-16. We also refer to Ephesians 5:21-33

You might have heard someone tell you to "Mind Your Own Business", but would Jesus ever say such a thing? Well, in this lesson, that is, in essence, what Jesus says, to the Apostle John. Apparently, someone was doing some work in God's Kingdom, and John told them to stop doing it, because they were from a different group. It's a lesson for all of us in this divisive world we live in, just about everyone is in a different group, and we all have our own opinions that we somehow feel obligated to state. Is that the Christian thing to do? Or not? Our lesson uses the parallel of an old Hank Williams song. Our scripture reading is from Mark 9:38-50. We also quote Romans 3:23.

"I don't get it!" It's a response that we often have when we just do not understand something that's been said. We can all relate. But what about Jesus? If you think people must have understood everything He said, think again. Jesus spoke and people did NOT hear. This week's message is all about us acting as "The Servant",  but somewhere along the line we have a disconnect where we just don't "get it"!  Our reading comes from Mark 9:30-37 

This week, Pastor Craig takes us on dual journeys that end up connecting together in unexpected ways. Jesus heals a deaf/mute man, and it becomes a lesson for us today. Our reading is from Mark 7:31-37

We continue our readings from the Gospel of Mark, and we discover something missing. This week, Pastor Craig uncovers some mysteries: Where was Rosie's Ring? Where is Jesus in this mixed up world? Where is the missing verse in the Scriptures? All these and more as we uncover the mysteries within our own hearts. Our reading is from Mark 7:14-23

Oops! We had some technical glitches today, so Pastor Craig's message is recorded in his office this week. Using the image of a Train, we can see that the traditions of faith, though similar in many ways to the traditions of life, can be used in positive ways and can keep us 'on-track'. Or, as traditions often do, they can also derail us. Our message is based on some comments Christ made in the Gospel of Mark 7:1-13. And as Jesus did, we also refer to Isaiah 29:13. 

This week, Pastor Craig tells us he used to play 'hide and seek' when he was young, and the story is a great illustration of the questions we use to hide behind, to avoid the tough times in life. The main reading is from John 6:51-58, and we also refer to Hebrews 11:1

As we continue to examine the aftermath of Jesus feeding the crowd, this week it seems many people didn't believe that the Lord could be the son of Joseph, and be send by the God of heaven as well. Over and over, Pastor Craig reminds us how God uses everyday activities to teach us eternal things, and here, Jesus declares He is the "Bread of Life". But nobody seems to really believe Him.  It's a lesson for all of us today. Our reading is from John 6: 35-38, 41-51 and 1 Kings 19:7-8.

It's always annoying to have someone do something for us, only to find out they had Ulterior Motives. That's the subject of this week's message. As the people who had either seen or heard about Jesus feeding the crowd, many of them sought after Jesus and the Lord calls their motives into question. It's a relatable idea: do we really seek the Lord with the right motives? Our scripture passage is from John 6:22-35, and we also refer to Galatians 5:13

As we continue reading from last week's scripture passage, we hear the story of Jesus walking on water, and through the experience of the Disciples, we learn more about how we handle the storms in life by ourselves. The Lord Jesus comes to our aid, but like the men in the boat that morning, we don't see the Savior clearly, and our natural tendency is to call it something it really isn't. We tend to ask, is it "Really Him?"  Our scripture reading is from Mark 6:45-56, and we also refer to Psalm 46:1 and Psalm 121:1-2

Most Christians are familiar with the miracle of Jesus Feeding the 5000, where miraculously a large crowd is fed to satisfaction with only 5 loaves of bread and a couple fish. Pastor Craig brings a practical and unconventional approach to this story of old, that I just may be our "sheepish" ways that cause us to be in want. Tying together the old 23rd Psalm and the Old Testament lesson from Jeremiah 23, we learn that there really is a common theme running throughout scripture. The readings used in this message include Psalm 23, Jeremiah 23:1-5, Mark 6:33-44, John 6:14 and Philippians 2:8.

This year, our nation's birthday falls on the Lord's Day Sunday, and it is the perfect opportunity to remind ourselves of the principles that our founding father's used to establish these 50 independent states called the United States. Pastor Craig digs back in the history books to find out what they say: were the founding fathers just some immature jerks who came up with a crazy self-centered plan to become a big country? Or did they have guidance and a pure heart devoted to God. In this message, we'll hear what the truth is, and we'll hear where the falsehood lies. From the Pilgrims in Massachusetts to the founding fathers' words in the Declaration of Independence and the U-S Constitution, we hear of our roots based on the Holy Bible. We refer to these scripture passages: Galatians 5:1, 13-14; Proverbs 22:6, Deuteronomy 6:6-7, 1 Timothy 4:10-11, Ephesians 6:4 and John 8:36.

Today we observe The Day of Pentecost which marks the end of the festive season on the Church Calendar, and we begin the long season of Pentecost. We've heard the story before, the rushing wind, the tongues of fire, people speaking in foreign languages that everyone could understand as everyone is filled with the Holy Spirit. But this lesson is actually Jesus, at the Last Supper, teaching the Apostles (and us) what it will be like when the Holy Spirit comes. Learn how the world has it all wrong, and learn how the Holy Spirit is our Advocate and our Counselor. The scripture text is from John 15:26-27 & John 16:4b-15.  We also refer to Ephesians 2:8 and Joel 2:27-32.

After a couple of weeks off because of other events at church, this week Pastor Craig encourages us once again with a prayer that Jesus prayed. We might call it "The Lord's Prayer" except this title is already given to "the prayer that Jesus taught us", so we'll have to call this one, "The Other Lord's Prayer".  It IS from the Lord, and it is another prayer, but what makes this one so interesting is that Jesus is praying about US, you and I.  What would Jesus pray for, with you and I in mind. That's the topic and the focus of this week's message. The main text comes from John 17:11b-19. We also refer to Hebrews 13:14 and 1 Peter 2:11.

We don't often hear about shepherds in our world today. So when the Bible uses a those references to sheep and shepherding, it's sometimes hard to relate to. This week's message is to put it all into perspective. We learn what a shepherd is like, what they do and, surprisingly, what we are supposed to be like in our Christian lives. With Christ as our example of the Shepherd, we too are called to help, guide and serve the church, each of us as shepherds. The main reading is from John 10:11-18, and we also refer to 1 Corinthians 14:33; Psalm 23; Ezekiel 34:2-6, 16; and Isaiah 40:11. 

Many people enjoy courtroom dramas on TV and in movies, but some have never considered that the many people who wrote the Bible are giving their testimony.  Just like a courtroom scene, the authors of the Bible are giving their first-hand accounts of what they saw happen. In this episode, Pastor Craig shows us Luke's 'key witness testimony' of what he saw that day when the risen Christ showed up before the Apostles. We are also challenged to give our own testimony of how God is working in our world today, in your church, in your family, in your job . . . . in your life.  Our reading comes from Luke 24:36b-49

As we proceed into the joyous Easter Season, we can explore our faith with the Lord's assurance. Today, we look at the apostle Thomas, also known as "doubting" Thomas, as though we should not have doubts like he did. But don't we have doubts exactly like him? Of course we do, but we look to our Lord Jesus for faith, not to Thomas. Today's scripture reading is from John 20:19-31. We also refer to Hebrews 11:1-2 and the verses that follow. 

Most all of us can tell stories about how something unexpected happens in life. Whether it's a small inconvenience or a major life-changing event, we all experience a "Turn of Events".  Well the Easter Story is the most unlikely "Turn of Events" in all of human history, and this Easter message from Pastor Craig points out that even at the time, there were times during the resurrection story that we could all relate to as totally unexpected.  Our main reading is from Mark 16:1-8. We also refer to Mark 14:28, 2 Corinthians 6:2b and Matthew 10:32-33.

The Palm Sunday edition of the podcast, and Pastor Craig uses an ambulance illustration to show us an example of "The Death That Leads to Life." Read along in John 12:12-33. We also refer to James 1:3 and 1 Corinthians 6:19.

As we continue in our Lenten Series, we hear a Bible lesson wrapped around the High School Basketball Season which is just wrapping up for this year. Pastor Craig tells a story when he was part of his High School Basketball team, not as a player, but as a trainer. A trainer is an important position, just as any position on the basketball team, and Pastor Craig, got reprimanded by the coach, because an error was made. Likewise, Jesus has to reprimand a couple of the Apostles, because they made an error as well.  It's a lesson if you're a sports fan or not, it's a lesson if you're a disciple or not, it's a lesson if you're Christian or not. The reading is from Mark 10:35-45, and we also refer to Jeremiah 31:34.

This week, Pastor Craig is out on assignment, and our guest speaker is Geremy Olson, an author, speaker and outdoorsman from Washburn, North Dakota. Geremy brings home an old familiar passage of scripture that includes John 3:16. The reading is John 3:14-21 and we hear Geremy do what he does best, living out Christianity in every-day life. He tells us about a great outdoor fishing challenge that every Christian can conquer.  Learn more about Geremy here: http://241ink.org/241_ink/Geremy_Olson.html

We included three scripture readings for today's episode. All three of them tie together to help us understand what God and Jesus is up to. Today we continue in the season of Lent, when we confess and repent from our sins in preparation for Easter. Sometimes, people have a hard time understanding just what God is saying to us in various readings, so today, we included all three, and Pastor Craig helps tie them together for us. The readings include Psalm 19:1-14, Exodus 20:1-17 and John 2: 13-22. We also refer to Romans 3:20.

We continue in the season of Lent as we examine our own heart: do we really trust in the Lord Jesus? This week, we look at this important topic, citing a Harvard research study that brings the point home. Our reading is from Mark 8:27-38. We also refer to 1 Timothy 5:8

It's a new season in the Christian Calendar! We've entered the season of lent. In today's reading, we hear of three major events that happen in rapid fire, one after another. And as these events lead into the first words our Lord Jesus speaks as He begins His ministry on earth, He speaks the phrase "The Kingdom Is Near". Does it have any meaning at all? Does it have any relevance for us today? Listen for the challenge and listen for the answers as Pastor Craig relates this pandemic world to this familiar phrase of the church. Star Wars fans, we especially have some fun recollections for you as well. Our main reading comes from Mark 1:9-15. We also refer to Ephesians 4:5-6 and Genesis 3:19.

As the season of Epiphany comes to a close, we observe the Transfiguration of Our Lord and this week, Pastor Craig makes an attempt to describe this mountaintop experience. You get to decide if it's an adequate description: how do you describe something so glorious. The reading today comes from Mark 9:2-9

We continue in our mini-series of messages during Epiphany from Mark's Gospel, and this week there are a few unexpected twists and turns in the story. What did Jesus do to cure the woman of her severe fever so she could get right up and wait on the others? Why did Jesus keep the demons from speaking? And why didn't Jesus go back to serve the people that were looking for Him? Instead, Jesus said, "Let's go someplace else." That's rather odd! These twists and turns in the story are what Pastor Craig explores for us this week. The main reading is from Mark 1:29-39. We also refer to Psalm 150:6, James 1:2 and we cross reference several versions of the Bible for today's study.

This week, we hear about Jesus teaching in the Synagogue, and a certain man didn't like what Jesus was saying. The man was possessed by an impure spirit, and it reminds us how many people are also turned-off by Jesus, while at the same time, other people are amazed by Jesus. This week, Pastor Craig challenges us, by posing the question, "What are your bad habits?" Are you willing to "Change Your Ways". The main reading is from Mark 1:21-28, and we also refer to James 2:19.

As we begin a Mini-Series in the Gospel of Mark, we set the stage by hearing once again the story of the beginning of Jesus' ministry. Our Lord called average workers in the area of the Sea of Galilee and said "Follow Me." It's a call for us as well. How do you and I follow that call? Pastor Craig tells a fishing tale of someone he knew who was good at fishing, and in the process, becomes an example for us all. The reading is from Mark 1:14-20

We read an unlikely Epiphany story when the Apostle Philip calls Nathanael to come see the Lord Jesus. It's an Epiphany moment story that all Christians can learn from: the Epiphany of knowing exactly Who the Lord Jesus is, and What He is to me. Pastor Craig puts our modern world and all it's struggles into their proper perspective in this message. The reading is from John 1:43-51, and we also refer to John 12:26

This week we commemorate "The Baptism of Our Lord", and for some reason we read the story of John the Baptist once again. In the past few weeks, we've heard some part of the story, no less than four times. And we wonder, if we are assigned to read from the story multiple times, is there something we're missing? Let's take a look. The deeper meaning we get from the tale of John the Baptist is that our Heavenly Father is overjoyed. He even says so. Our main reading is from Mark 1:4-11. We also refer to Ephesians 2:8-9, 10 and Matthew 28:19-20.

On this, the Second Sunday after Christmas, we take a look at a literary form of telling different stories that each intertwine with the other, in order that we might have a deeper understanding of what is going on. Sure, Simeon and Anna are not often included in the Christmas saga, but they are none-the-less different parts of the bigger story. Telling a parallel tale helps us make the story applicable and understandable in our own lives. John's Gospel doesn't seem to be at all part of the Christmas Story, but after a second look, it is totally part of Christmas. Our main reading is from both the NIV and the ERV versions of John 1:1-13. We also refer to Isaiah 55:8-9 and Psalm 5:11-12

Here's a story we don't hear much of: Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple to be dedicated to God. For Simeon and Anna it was a definitive moment for both of them. They each realized the incredible meaning this infant had personally on them: for Simeon, his own personal salvation was now real, for Anna, she thanked God and talked about the Child (Jesus) to everyone looking for deliverance. Plus, Pastor Craig's personal story ties it all together. The reading this week is from Luke 2:25-40.

On this, the fourth Sunday of Advent, we again look to poetry to help us grasp the true meaning of the Holiday Season. We might think there been enough written, spoken, sung and thought about the subject of "love", but on the other hand - maybe there hasn't been nearly enough that YOU have written, spoken, sung or thought about love. This week's message continues to help us prepare for the coming of God's gift of love in the Christ Child. Our main reading is from Luke 1: 26-38. We also refer to Psalm 139:13-14, 1 John 4:8 and Romans 8:38-39.

In keeping with our Advent series of signposts, this week we see the sign "Joy Ahead". We explore ways in which God wants to give us joy, but in our attempt to be what "we" want to be, we might be losing the very joy that we seek so desperately. This week, we read from John 1:6-8, 19-28. Other scripture references include Psalm 51:12, Psalm 32:11, Habakkuk 3:18, John 5:11, and Genesis 28:16.

We continue a theme with some of Pastor Craig's poetry, and poetry from others, to find a bit of "Peace Ahead". We live in a world that seems to want to always pick a fight, and we wonder if there will ever be true peace in our future. This Second Sunday of Advent helps us, once again, prepare; 1)for the coming of Baby Jesus at Bethlehem, 2) For the Second Coming of Christ at the end of time, and 3) the coming of Christ within us today through the Holy Spirit. Our scripture reading is from Mark 1:1-8. We also refer to Philippians 4:7 and John 8:12.

It's the New Year on the Church Calendar. The season of Advent is upon us and we could not be more happy. The challenges of the past year are behind us.... or are they? Actually, we are no better off that we were a month ago - however..... We are now in the season of the year when the church talks about what is coming, or more accurately "Who" is coming. We pass a signpost that says "Hope Ahead", and we'll learn three different ways in which we have hope. Our main reading is from Mark 13:24-37. We also refer to Matthew 24:36, John 14:3, Romans 2:6-8 and Romans 15:13.

The church calendar year comes to a close this week, and what a year its been. This weeks reading from 1st Corinthians puts our time into an eternal perspective. This message helps us think in a broader, God-centered approach to the passing of time. A couple of personal stories help illustrate how common everyday things play a part in a far-reaching eternal story. The main reading is from 1 Corinthians 15:20-28. We also refer to Romans 6:23, Isaiah 44:6 and the Adam & Eve story in Genesis 3.

The world was in upheaval, and people didn't know what to do about it. The Apostle Paul and his companions wrote a message to the Christians at Thessalonica who were struggling with that very idea, and it becomes a perfect lesson for us today in our world of upheaval where people don't know what to do about it. Pastor Craig uses several illustrations and short stories to bring this message home for us today. The main reading is from 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11. We also refer to John 8:12 and 1 Samuel 2:30

Sometimes it seems like God gives us exactly the scripture verse we need to deal directly with the issues that come before us in life. This one fits that bill exactly. As we work our way through the political scene, as we work our way through the pandemic, as we work our way through tremendous storms, earthquakes, floods and even death, certain scriptures help us work our way through the difficulties. Our main reading is 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, and we also refer to 1 Corinthians 15:52.

Pastor Craig takes on a search of some practical applications of a position we often hear we have as Christians, the position of Child of God. What does it mean to have this position? We'll talk about it this week as we read from 1 John 3:1-3. We also refer to 1 John 4:7-8 and 1 John 5:13.

We've all been surprised at one point or another, but are we surprised with God? This week, Pastor Craig takes apart the element of "surprise" and shows us how we can have Sudden, Unexpected Wonder when it comes to our wonderful Creator God. The reading comes from Romans 3:19-28

We shift gears, hearing from a different letter, a different epistle from the Apostle Paul, and this time it is so totally relatable to our lives in our world today. Pastor Craig explains how Paul, Silas and Timothy are working in various churches in the first century, and this letter is sent back to a former congregation, as a way to help them in a time of trouble. Our world today is in trouble, and this message applies to us in some surprising ways. The main reading comes from 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10.

It's almost like Pastor Craig has an inside look at what we think about in our mind, but it's actually a very relevant passage from the book of Philippians as we finish up this series on the Apostle Paul's letter to the church at Philippi. We hear this familiar passage to help us think about the things from a Godly point of view, and that line of thinking helps us live with a sense of peace, and a steady thinking guides virtuous behavior. Our reading comes from Philippians 4:4-13. We also refer to quotes from our nation's founding fathers, we hear a quote from Zig Ziglar as well as 1 John 5:4.

The Apostle Paul makes a dramatic contrast. Back in the day when he was named Saul, he had some accomplishments and privileges that set him apart from the average citizen, and from the average elite class. And Paul does something absolutely astonishing, he considered all the things he had, all the things he accomplished in life, and he called them the worst, stinkiest of sewer trash. The reason he made this repulsive description of his supposed worth in life is the subject of this week's message. We read from Philippians 3:4b-14. We also referred to Acts 8:1.

As we continue in our series from the book of Philippians, Pastor Craig uses a modern-day computer example to show us how the Apostle Paul was laying out the "logical" case for how we ought to live as believers. The main reading is Philippians 2:1-4, 14-18. We also refer to these passages: Psalm 8:3-4, John 7:18, Isaiah 1:18, Titus 1:2b, Malachi 3:6a, Psalm 18:30a, James 1:2-3 and 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20.

Taking the lesson from the Apostle Paul, who was in prison when he wrote today's Scripture Reading, we often think of the challenges we face in the world as a threat to our personal safety, and we end up fearful and uneasy. But Paul's personal safety was threatened, and he gives us a reason to welcome discomfort and uneasiness, for we live for something bigger than ourselves. Pastor Craig brings this timely message home this week. The main reading is Philippians 1:12-14 and 19-30. We also refer to John 16:33,Luke 9:23, Galatians 6:2 and John 12:25.

As we conclude our series on Romans this week, we learn how the Apostle Paul teaches that our label as "Christian" is far more important than any other. The main reading comes from Romans 14:1-12

This week's reading takes us to Romans 13, where Paul tells us how we ought to obey the government authorities. But how does such a teaching even apply in today's world of government regulation, recommendation and mandates. The ancient writing to the Romans is certainly relevant to us today.

As we continue our journey through Romans, today we examine what True Love looks like. The Apostle Paul challenges us in ways to express genuine love, and sometimes it makes complete sense, other times it baffles us. Pastor Craig helps us through that journey. Our Bible references this week include Romans 12:9-21, 1 Corinthians 14:33. 2 Timothy 4:3-5 and we review Romans 11:33-36

This week, as a change of pace, we met for church at "The Shack", a gathering place at Antler Memorial Park. Pastor Craig's message came from Romans 11:33 through 12:8. It describes the Apostle Paul's impassioned message to the church at Rome, but it also has a powerful message for us in today's world.

Our guest speaker this week is Pastor Dave from Newburg, ND who takes us to Psalm 121 for some insights and reflections of one of the "Songs of Ascent."