The LBC Podcast

In this episode, John and Pastor Eric sit down to discuss the topic of predestination. What is it? Is it biblical? And if so, what does it mean for our lives today? Can we actually find comfort and assurance in the doctrine of predestination? Listen in for all this and more.

In this episode, John sits down with "Nate", an LBC-sent global worker ministering to an unreached people group in central Asia. Together, they discuss "Nate's" path to the mission field, what the work looks like, and what we all hope is to come. Listen in and find out how you can join in and support the mission from Bakersfield.

In this episode, John and Pastor Eric sit down to have a friendly discussion on where we are in the book of Genesis and how it applies to our lives today. Listen in and be encouraged as they talk about the faith of Abraham and how it is an example for how we can live with confidence today regardless of our circumstances.

In this Song Spotlight episode, John sits down with Ryan Pearsey and Natalie Appleton to do a deep dive on a new song we'll be singing, "All Sufficient Merit", by Bethany Bernard. Listen in as they walk through the song together in an effort to mine the rich truths inside. They'll discuss why they chose this song and how God has used it in their own lives.

In this second part of a two-part episode, John continues the conversation with Pastor Eric and Pastor Chris as they discuss how taking steps of faith and watching God move have personally impacted their spiritual lives. They discuss how it connects to the story of Abraham and how they believe God is calling LBC to take steps of faith.

The cat's out of the bag! LBC is looking to move locations! In this special two-part episode, John sits down with Pastor Eric and Pastor Chris to hear firsthand the story of how God has moved all kinds of mountains to lead us where we are as a church today.

In this episode, John sits down with Women's Ministry Coordinator, Rhonda Kolb. Together, they discuss the topic of keeping Christ in Christmas. They share the highlights and lowlights of their own experiences while encouraging everyone, young and old, to reacquaint themselves with the wonder of Jesus' incarnation.

How do we grow in Christ? What is God's expectation for us? What is my responsibility in the process and what is God's responsibility? In this episode, John sits down with Pastor Andy Middlekauff to discuss all this and more. He even shares about a NEW opportunity happening at LBC!

Is the earth millions of years old or only thousands of years old? How does that answer affect our interpretation of the Bible? And is this debate a hill worth dying on? In this episode, John and Pastor Eric sit down with Ryan D'Cruz who is a geologist and former elder at LBC. Together, they discuss these questions and more to get to the bottom of what Young Earth and Old Earth Creationists share in common.

Sometimes God closes doors. Sometimes we pray and He says "no". What does faithfulness look like when we find life not going the way we planned? How do we trust God in the midst of change and uncertainty or when He doesn't meet our expectations? In this episode, John sits down with David Rimestad to hear his testimony of finding God's goodness in the midst of profound and unexpected change.

With so many opinions and passionate pleas around the world concerning the current events in the Middle East, it can become confusing to know what's right and what's wrong. How do we think Biblically about the war between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah? Why are there so many protests on college campuses and city streets in our own nation? Recently, Pastors Chris, Eric and Dave hosted a Q&A with our young adult ministry, The Collective, to answer these questions and more. In this episode, we will listen in on that very important conversation.

Genesis is coming! Beginning later this Fall, we will be starting a new sermon series walking through the book of Genesis. On this episode, John sits down with Pastor Eric to hear his heart on why he chose the book of Genesis as our next sermon series, how we should read Genesis, and why the message of the book of Genesis has a profound impact on our understanding of the world today.

Do politics and Christianity mix? Does the Bible have anything to say about voting? How do I choose between the lesser of two evils? In this episode, John and Pastor Eric sit down to have a friendly discussion about Christianity and the government, how a biblical understanding of our identity in Christ informs and empowers us, and how we can navigate today's politically charged culture with a biblical mindset.Main points:Take advantage of the opportunity to vote, but trust the Lord with the outcome.Honor the authorities, but fear God.Pray for those in authority.Pay your taxes.Remember that our hope rests in Christ alone.Bible Passages mentioned:1Peter 2:9-17; Mark 12:17; 1Timothy 2:1-4

Who or what is the Holy Spirit? What does the Holy Spirit do? What does LBC believe about the Holy Spirit and why does this topic tend to be so controversial? In this episode, John sits down with Pastor Eric to discuss all this and more.

Caption:In this episode, John sits down with Pastor Brian Murphy to continue their previous discussion on depression. Today, they discuss the surprising gift of lament. What is lament and how is it a gift? What is God's invitation to those who are in the midst of suffering, grief or depression? How can you best help a loved one who is suffering? All this and more in today's episode!Books and resources mentioned in this episode:"Spurgeon's Sorrows", by Zack Eswine"A Small Cup of Light", by Ben Palpant"God Moves In A Mysterious Way", by William Cowper

In this episode, John sits down with Pastor Eric and Pastor Brian Murphy to discuss the topic of depression and the Christian. With all of the Bible's commands to rejoice, how is it possible to be a Christian and be depressed? What does depression look like from the Bible's perspective and how can we help those who suffer? We'll tackle all these questions and more in this first part of a two-part conversation.

As Christians, we believe in the literal resurrection of Jesus from the dead. But apart from faith in the Bible, is there reasonable evidence that points to a literal resurrection? Is belief in the resurrection of Jesus essential? And what bearing should the resurrection have in our day to day lives? In this episode, John sits down with Pastor Eric to discuss all this and more before we celebrate the Resurrection this Easter.

In this second part of a two-part episode, John and Leslie continue their conversation with Erin Rogers, Executive Director of the Bakersfield Pregnancy Center. They discuss responses to common pro-choice statements, how the Church is succeeding and failing in its response to abortion, and how each and every person can get involved in promoting life-affirming care. DISCLAIMER: the topic discussed in this episode may not be suitable for your little ones and could be triggering for some who have been the victim of abuse or have chosen abortion in the past.

In this first part of a two-part episode, John and Leslie sit down with Erin Rogers, Executive Director of the Bakersfield Pregnancy Center. Together, they hear about how Erin got involved with BPC and have a very candid conversation about abortion, what the Bible has to say, and how grace and healing are found in Jesus. DISCLAIMER: the topic discussed in this episode may not be suitable for your little ones and could be triggering for some who have been the victim of abuse or have chosen abortion in the past.

Mention social justice to anyone and you'll get a wide array of responses. On this episode, John and Pastor Eric sit down to discuss the topic of social justice. What is the culture's definition of social justice and what is the Bible's definition? How might God be calling you to step out in faith and follow His command to care for the orphan and widow? All this and more on this episode of the LBC Podcast.

"On this very special episode, John sits down with fellow writers Eloy Romero and Ryan Pearsey to discuss the very first LBC Worship original song, "The Highest Throne"! Listen in as they discuss the story and theology behind the song, and why finding rest and comfort in the sovereignty of God should be every believer's goal."

2024 is upon us! And with it can come all the challenges and anxieties one could expect. So how are we to live biblically? What is God's will for us in times that are uncertain and divided? How do we prepare our hearts and minds? John sits down with Leslie Carroll, Kristen Cabalka and Pastor Eric to ask these questions and more. Listen in as the gang shares encouragement from God's Word and Pastor Eric shares his vision for LBC in 2024.Verses mentioned in this episode:2Corinthians 4, Isaiah 46:9-10, Romans 8:35-39, 2Corinthians 1:8-11, Psalm 2, Psalm 27:13-14

In this episode, John and Pastor Eric sit down with Matt Purdy to hear his testimony of growing up in the Catholic church. They discuss some of the similarities and differences between Catholic and Christian doctrine and encourage every believer to lovingly share the peace and rest that only comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Practical resources mentioned in this episode include:"Are We Together?: A Protestant Analyzes Roman Catholicism" - R.C. Sproul"Rescuing the Gospel: The Story and Significance of the Reformation" - Erwin Lutzer"Preparing for Eternity: Should We Trust God's Word or Religious Traditions?" - Mike Gendron

What's the difference between being doctrinally faithful and splitting hairs? Are there points of doctrine that are worth dividing over? On this episode, John sits down with Pastor Eric and Eloy Romero to discuss why the details of doctrine matter. Eloy shares his story of coming out of a pentecostal church and how it's the details that affected his life.

Why is the conflict in Israel such a big deal to us as Bible believing Christians? What does it have to do with end times? What should my response be as a believer in Jesus Christ? In this episode, John sits down with Pastor Eric and Pastor Dave to ask some tough questions regarding all this and more.

Does God really think of you? And if so, what is His attitude toward you? On this special episode, John Harrell sits down with LBC Worship members Ryan Pearsey and Natalie Bianchi to do a deep dive into the song, "Your Thoughts For Us", by Austin Stone Worship.

In this episode of The LBC Podcast, John Harrell sits down with Pastor Chris to discuss the topic of family discipleship and the heart soul of why LBC's family ministries exist. They discuss the purpose of discipling children as well as what it looks like to lead your family in knowing the goodness of God. Whether you're a parent or not, there's something for everyone in this episode!

In this episode of the LBC Podcast, John Harrell, Leslie Carroll, Pastor Eric and Pastor Chris sit down to address the question, "How do I know I'm saved?" What are the marks of a true believer? Does God want us to be assured of our salvation? When should I be concerned? Settle in and listen in to this enriching discussion.

In this episode, John, Erick, Kristen and Leslie discuss what it looks like to prioritize the Sunday gathering, the many benefits of church attendance, and share helpful tools for preparing our hearts and minds for service and worship.

John Harrell, Chris Moore, Kevi Robertson, Drew White and Kevin Mencias sit down for this episode to discuss why we still do VBS. They share the importance of VBS ministry, how it looks at LBC, what the impact is to the community and the local body of believers, and how you can get involved!

In this episode, John, Leslie and Pastor Eric discuss the events that took place last February at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky. Did revival really break out among the college students there or are we looking at something else altogether? How should we think biblically about revival? And how do these events affect us in Bakersfield? Join us as seek answers to these questions and more. 

As adults, we can really struggle to find quality friendships that lead us toward Jesus. In this episode, Kristen Cabalka, Erick Rouanzoin, Leslie Carroll and John Harrell discuss the importance of pursuing Godly friendships. What does a Godly friendship look like? How can we know that we're being a Godly friend? Sit down, grab a warm cup of your favorite wintry beverage, and listen in. 

Are gender and sex merely social constructs? Do you find yourself looking around at the culture and wondering how in the world we got here? Back in September, our student ministries hosted the annual Thinking Biblically Conference at LBC. The topic this year was transgenderism and sexuality, and our very special speaker was Jonny Ardavanis. What was shared was so helpful that we wanted to bring it to you.

What does abuse in the church look like and how can we help survivors of abuse? In this episode, John Harrell, Kristen Cabalka, Mike Sampley and Pastor Eric sit down with a special guest to discuss this difficult but important topic.

Do you know your enneagram number? What in the world is contemplative prayer? Are you a little god? 'Just follow your heart?' Good news... The LBC Podcast has returned! In this episode, John, Pastor Eric, Erick, and Leslie discuss New Age philosophy in the Church... and the potential for a new line of LBC designer dish towels!

Josh and Eric discuss the need for believers to think biblically about cultural ideas such as critical race theory, social justice, and gender identity.

Joel and Josh discuss the topic of Calvinism and whether it is biblical. Enjoy!

Josh and Pastor Eric discuss homosexuality from a biblical perspective and seek to answer some practical questions about the topic.

Pastor Eric and Josh talk about the craziness of the world right now and whether we are currently in the end times. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy!

On this episode of The LBC Podcast, Joel and Josh discuss what the Scriptures say about being a lukewarm Christian.

On this episode of the LBC podcast, Josh and Dave discuss the topic of fear from a biblical perspective. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy!

In this episode, Josh and Eric talk about why we've made the decision to continue gathering in person as a church.

John and Chris interview LBC elder & LMFT Mike Sampley on how to stay emotionally healthy for the long haul.

Tune in to hear how the Burnses, Harrells, and Moores are surviving the quarantine.

On this episode, Joel, John, and Pastor Eric discuss the tensions between displaying faith and following government orders.

On this episode, Joel and Chris figure out Zoom and talk with Pastor Eric about how Christians should respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On this episode, we spend more time discussing Eric's sermon on January 16, 2020 titled Lie #3: My Worth Is Determined By My Performance.

On this episode of the LBC Podcast, Josh interviews Eric about his recent trip to Israel.