Podcasts about real christians

Text: Esther 2:1-18Esther is perhaps the most unique and controversial books in all of the Bible. It's one of only two books named after women. It is full of moral failure, ambiguity, and less-than-savory heroes. And it never mentions the name of God once. Yet it is an important book that tells an important piece of God's redemptive history. Join us for this series as we dive into this popular and provocative book and learn about God' work in our lives (and Esther's) – even when it's not always evident on the surface.Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) February 22, 2026Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Text: Esther 1Esther is perhaps the most salacious, unique, and controversial books in all of the Bible. It's one of only two books named after women. It is full of moral failure, ambiguity, and less-than-savory heroes. And it never mentions the name of God once. Yet it is an important book that tells an important piece of God's redemptive history. Join us for this series as we dive into this popular and provocative book as we learn about God' work in our lives (and Esther's) – even when it's not always evident on the surface.Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service ofBethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) February 15, 2026Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Why Real Christians Love Sermon 18:57

Text: Acts 16:11-15, 40To kick off the new year we are talking about resolutions and what it means to be people of resolve. Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON IS AVAILABLE FOR STREAMING ON MOST PODCAST PLATFORMS: SPOTIFY (https://open.spotify.com/show/2Czqvlik7qBOoBOkASu5CW?si=d87CjjuTQdeIL5pYQ1QugA) APPLE PODCASTS/iTUNES (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bethany-baptist-church/id1519315447) AMAZON MUSIC (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ad218fa5-7792-48e6-acee-fe5f66c7bdd6/We-Are-Bethany) ALEXA (say "Alexa, Play 'We Are Bethany' Podcasts") GOOGLE PODCASTS (https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xMTYyNzY2LnJzcw==) PANDORA (PANDORA (https://www.pandora.com/podcast/we-are-bethany/PC:33191)iHEART RADIO (https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we-are-bethany-68457035/)  And several other platforms as well. Just search for "We Are Bethany Podcasts" Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) February 8, 2026Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Text: Psalm 91Today Pastor Roger Wall leads us in worship in the study of the "high expectation psalm": Psalm 91. Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) January 18, 2026Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Text: 2 Peter 1:16-21, 2 Timothy 3:16-17To kick off the new year we are talking about resolutions and what it means to be people of resolve. Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) January 11, 2026Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Sermon from Sunday, January 11, 2026by Rev. Dr. Michael L. Pfleger, Senior PastorThe Faith Community of St. Sabina

Text: Deuteronomy 8To kick off the new year we are talking about resolutions and what it means to be people of resolve. Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) January 4, 2026Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Title: Our Hope, Our Joy, Our Glory Text: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 FCF: We often struggle prioritizing the gathering together of the body of Christ. Prop: The church is unlike any other gathering on earth, so we must yearn and strive to be together. Scripture Intro: NIV [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to 1 Thessalonians 2. In a moment we'll read from the New International Version starting in verse 17. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Although we've been away from the text of 1 Thessalonians for a couple weeks, I'll resist the urge to review the book until next week when we begin a new chapter. Still, it is necessary to remind our feeble minds where we've been in chapter 2 so far. Paul is reviewing the visit that he and his companions had with the Thessalonians. Against the urgings of some of the Thessalonians church's unbelieving friends, family, and co-workers, Paul insists that the visit was profitable. It was profitable because it was empowered by God. It was profitable because it produced a spiritual family. And it was profitable because it led to them being firm in their faith even amid persecution. Now Paul will advance the thought down the timeline to continue to inform them what love and devotion he and his companions have for them. Sadly the words he conveys may sound odd to we who have accepted something less and called it the church. Please stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: Good and gracious Father, you have designed and built a people whose foundation is Your Son and who are empowered and led by Your Spirit, to walk circumspectly in this world as your sanctified image bearers. We hold the cross high as we bear the name of God. We are called Christians, little Christs. Not individually primarily, but collectively we are the body of Christ. We represent Him and His Kingdom on earth. And we anxiously anticipate the day He will return. But Lord we often neglect the present on the altar of the future. We hope in what is coming and forsake the gifts you have already given. Let us be a people who earnestly long and strive to be together in fellowship and discipleship. Help us Lord to see this today, we pray in Jesus' name, Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] “No local church is perfect – but there is no way in which it can be improved by the absence of spiritually minded Christians.” – John Blanchard “An avoidable absence from church is an infallible evidence of spiritual decay.” Frances Ridley Havergal “To stay away from church is to spit in God's face and despise His gift of the Kingdom.” R.C. Sproul “When we take God for our God, we take His people, for our people.” Matthew Henry “Be united with other Christians. A wall with loose bricks is not good. The bricks must be cemented together.” Corrie Ten Boom. Let these ideas roll around in your mind, as we look to the Word this morning. Starting in verse 17. I.) Fellowship with true believers is desired by true believers but opposed by Satan, so we must yearn and strive to be together. (17-18) a. [Slide 3] 17 - But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. i. After proving that the evangelists' visit with the Thessalonians was quite productive, Paul now chronologically goes forward from their visit to the time since. ii. He first references the suddenness and violence by which their time with the Thessalonians came to an end. iii. Of course, we know that Paul and his companions were run out of Thessalonica by the jealous Jews who despised the speed at which the gospel made in roads with the gentiles. iv. He actually uses the words “to be orphaned” to describe their separation. v. This provides an interesting transition between the familial language Paul has been using to describe their connection to the Thessalonian church, and emphasize the emotional and spiritual toll this separation has had on both parties. vi. There is substantial agreement among theologians that this word in Greek “to be orphaned” unlike in English, can communicate both sides of this tragedy. It can be used to describe the sudden death of the last parent alive for a child, or it can describe the sudden death of a child. vii. Since Paul most recently compared himself and his companions to both the Thessalonian church's mother and father, it seems best to understand this as the meaning we cannot arrive at in English, and see Paul describing their forced separation in terms of a parent losing their child. viii. Paul softens this word picture by providing two caveats. 1. First, he says that this was a short separation. This could mean either the time since they've been separated or Paul's hope that they would soon be reunited, or both. 2. Second, Paul clarifies that this separation was merely physical – since in thought or as other translations say, in heart, they had still been very near to them. ix. So violent was the separation that even though it has only been a short time, Paul expresses his intense longing to again visit the church in person. x. Not only do they desire to be with them, Paul says that they have made every effort to see them. xi. But to what extent did they try to come to visit, and why were they unsuccessful? b. [Slide 4] 18 - For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. i. The evangelists loved them dearly. And it was out of that love that the evangelists desired greatly to see them again. ii. Paul himself points out that several times he actually tried to execute plans to get back to see them. iii. The expression here is literally, and once and twice, but the NIV accurately translates this idiom dynamically rendering it “again and again.” Paul endeavored to visit several times… but was hindered. How? iv. Satan prevented Paul. v. I don't want to linger long here but I do want to point out the necessary tension that must exist in the scriptures. 1. Although God is sovereign, meaning He has absolute control over all things in His creation… He permits, uses, and even intentionally plans the opposition of Satan, the forces of darkness, and the wickedness of men, to accomplish His purposes. 2. Satan is given liberty in this world to oppose God's people. But we should also recognize that if God desires us to do something and empowers us to do something, Satan cannot ultimately prevent us. 3. So, we might wonder how Paul knows that Satan is the one preventing him from going back to Thessalonica and not simply the providence of God. I see two answers to that question a. First, Paul writes under the authority and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, he knows, perhaps at the moment he writes it, that this opposition he and his companions faced, was from Satan himself. b. Second, since God does not sin, nor does God tempt anyone to sin, Paul also knows that if this opposition consisted of men sinning by lying, being violent, spreading hatred, or being jealous, then it is not from God but from the enemy. Indeed, it seems that the jealous Jews were the primary reason he left, perhaps they are the primary reason he has been prevented. vi. Does the enemy still oppose God's people from fellowshipping with one another? Oh yes. And what do you suppose are the tactics he uses? We'll look more into that in a few moments. c. [Slide 5] Summary of the Point: It is good that we remind ourselves that Paul had only met these believers a few months prior to writing these words. He had spent at most a month or two with them. Knowing this is quite a shock to our western sensibilities when we understand the depth of love which Paul writes to them. Paul and his companions earnestly long to be with them, to the extent that they had tried several times to rejoin them and were rebuffed by the direct opposition of the forces of darkness. This illustrates for us a dual layered truth. A truth which will be challenging for us to hear on both sides. First, that true and genuine believers earnestly long for fellowship with other believers. And second, that there is a powerful, ancient, and cunning enemy who actively opposes God's people gathering and fellowshipping with each other. These two truths combined require us to apply this truth as an action we must pursue. In short, as Paul and his companions did, we must yearn and strive to be together. Transition: [Slide 6(blank)] But mere fellowship is not the only aspect of this thing called the church which makes it unique. Not only is it a family, but it is a family of teachers and students. Where the students are the reward for the teacher's diligence. Let's look at how Paul finishes up his thought in chapter 2. II.) Making growing and enduring disciples is our hope, joy, and glory, so we must yearn and strive to be together. (19-20) a. [Slide 7] 19 - For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? i. Paul ends this thought with a series of questions. ii. These questions are designed to explain why exactly the evangelists long to see them. iii. He has compared their sudden separation to being orphaned. He has expressed his deep desire to see them and indeed his efforts to do so. iv. And now, in order to explain even further his longing for them, he asks – what is our hope? What is our joy? What is the crown in which we will glory? v. It is here in the Greek sentence, before the statement about the presence of Jesus, that Paul actually interrupts his questions with the answer. vi. He inserts “Is it not you?” An answer which has an intended affirmative answer but would be a shocking answer to be sure. vii. One might expect the answer to be Jesus Christ. But Paul indicates that the Thessalonians are the evangelists' hope, joy, and crown of glory. viii. But what does this mean and when do they become these things to the evangelists? ix. Hope here is something that is unseen, or unfulfilled, that has been promised. Joy is enduring contentment and peace based on God's promises. And A crown of glory, or more literally a crown of boasting, has to do with the Olympic games where the winner would be given a crown of woven branches and leaves. The crown itself is almost of no value but the honor of the crown is priceless. x. They become all these things when all of them, the evangelists and the Thessalonians meet in the presence of Jesus when he returns. xi. [Slide 8] I think one commentator summarized this best when he said, xii. “Paul saw himself as bound up with his converts not only in terms of the service that he offered to Christ, but also in terms of his own salvation. They were fruits of his labor and of Christ's grace in his life, and Paul looked forward to presenting them firm and steadfast in the faith when Christ returned… Paul looked forward to the return of Christ …and he understood that the fruit of his salvation, the crown that he would lay before Jesus, was none other than these dearly beloved believers, who were therefore Paul's glory and joy.” – Richard Phillips REC pg 88-89 xiii. Servants of the Lord find hope, joy, and their glory in making genuine disciples. xiv. In many ways, our hope to endure to the end, our contentment in all circumstances, and our crowns we receive when Jesus returns are all connected to the impact we have on others in this life. xv. I imagine that day when the Lord returns and assembles forever His bride, it will be a day of rejoicing. When we get to see the impact we have had – knowingly or unknowingly on other people's lives. xvi. Of course, we will cast all our crowns at the feet of Christ – for such accolades would not have been possible if He had left us in our sin. xvii. Still – Paul's perspective is clear. xviii. The work of ministry, the making of disciples, and the proving of those disciples to be real and genuine to the extent that they are gathered on that day – THAT is what all this labor is for. That is the joy, hope, and glory of a Christian disciple maker. xix. That should be our hope, joy, and glory too. b. [Slide 9] 20 - Indeed, you are our glory and joy. i. Here we see two of the three items mentioned in verse 19 repeated… with a tense shift. ii. In one sense, the Thessalonians WILL BE the hope, joy, and crown of glory for the evangelists on the day the Lord returns. iii. But in another sense, RIGHT NOW, they are currently their joy and their glory. iv. Right now, the evangelists draw joy from their growing faith. Right now, they draw honor from their enduring faith. v. Paul does not repeat hope. This is because hope is something unseen and dependent on their enduring faith to the end. They cannot be their hope presently because that hope only comes to glorious maturity when Christ returns and His people are gathered. c. [Slide 10] Summary of the Point: In this passage, Paul demonstrates that the church is a spiritual entity different than all other human groups or gatherings. First, he shows this by the earnest desire to fellowship with each other despite diabolical opposition. But he also demonstrates this by showing that making disciples who are growing and enduring is the hope, joy, and glory of each disciple of Christ. The true church takes seriously the final marching orders of Christ to make disciples. They strive to do this because when the Lord returns, a believer's very salvation is validated and verified through their successful discipling of others to teach them to be growing and enduring disciples of Jesus Christ. Although it is true that the reward at the end of our Christian race is CHRIST… in another sense, Christ Himself taught us that caring for His bride is one way to love Him too. And so necessarily related to being rewarded with Christ… is also being rewarded with the spiritual success of ministry. And if we ever hope to make disciples that grow and endure… we must yearn and strive to be together. Conclusion: So CBC, what broad concepts have we learned today that help to correct or inform our belief and shape and guide our lifestyles? Broad principles of Faith and Practice: [Slide 11] Today we've seen how the spiritual entity known as the church, the true church that is, those who have truly received faith in Jesus Christ, this spiritual entity is different than every other human gathering or group. This is true in two specific ways from our text this morning. First, it is true in that the church longs to fellowship with one another and is prevented from this by spiritually malevolent powers. And second, that true disciples know that their reward when the Lord returns is bound up in seeing those they discipled grow and endure to the end. In this sense, the church is unlike any other group or gathering we have on earth. Because the church is so different, it is logical and even necessary that we expect the church to behave differently toward one another than any other group or gathering on earth. And specifically in this text we see an earnest yearning and striving to be together. This should be our endeavor as well. But let me get more specific. These are broad and basic concepts. But we need to specify and expand upon them. 1.) [Slide 12] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that true believers long to be together. a. Let me clearly state my aim in these applications right up front. b. I have no intention of applying a guilt trip to you for not coming to church as often as the doors are open. I do not intend to be that short sighted in the application to you this morning. c. But observe with me the deep, intimate, personal love that Paul and his companions have with the Thessalonians. They've known each other for at most – a year. And most of that time they have spent… apart. d. Paul and his companions were only with them for a couple of months. Still – do you see the deep connections they have formed. The familial language that is used. e. But this is not peculiar to this book. Generally speaking, in every book written by New Testament authors, we see their care and love for the people to whom they write. f. We see them express their desire to visit, to be among the people to whom they write. g. So my friends, observe, that the true and genuine Christian intensely desires to fellowship with other genuine Christians. h. Real Christians, who are not merely Christians in name only, earnestly desire, they LONG to be with each other. i. They often try to be together and make plans to be together. j. They execute their plans with precision to ensure that they CAN be together. k. They do all they can in wisdom and forethought to make sure that they can be with one another for fellowship and for discipleship. l. The heartbeat, the passion, the intense spiritual need of true believers is to be with, among, around, alongside, in front of, and bound to other believers. m. And so… if you lack any such zeal, passion, or longing, the application is not… start longing this. n. The application is, examine your heart. Are you truly a child of God? Are you really a Christian? o. You say – “you can't be serious Chris! p. You doubt my salvation just because I don't particularly look forward to being with God's people? Because I can think of things I'd rather be doing with my time than hang out with other believers, you doubt my salvation?” q. Yes. That is exactly what I am saying. r. Read the words of the New Testament earnestly and devoutly and tell me you do not arrive at the same conclusion. Can you find real and genuine Christians who would rather not fellowship and disciple each other in the pages of the New Testament? s. I challenge you to look – because you will not find them. t. If you do not earnestly desire and make plans and execute plans to be with God's people with zealousness and sincerity… then yes, I do doubt your salvation. And you should too. u. We are the bride of Christ. You can't have the bride without the groom, but you also can't have the groom without the bride. v. You will spend all of eternity with the bride of Christ… If you don't desire them now, what makes you think you will desire them then? w. But this leads me to another point that needs to be shown to you. 2.) [Slide 13] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that it is purely earthy barriers that prevent us being together. a. The devil often disguises himself as an angel of light. b. He is a liar from the beginning. c. And he is a murderer. d. If you are God's child, he hates you, he hunts you, to destroy you. e. Why do you suppose when the alarm clock goes off on a Sunday morning that you feel so tired? f. Monday you wake up on time, go to work and get there on time. Tuesday too. In fact, you don't have any trouble at all waking up and getting to your job on time. You make plans to do so and there are repercussions for not doing so. g. Saturday you even wake up without the alarm because you are so used to getting up at the time necessary for work. h. But Sunday. Oh Sunday is always the day that you wake up and feel so very tired. It is the day that the kids move extra slowly. It is the day that everything moves at a snails pace. i. Saturday evening you always stay up a little later than you intend. You always watch one more show than you normally do. j. Why? k. Why do you seem to hit every red light on the way in to church? l. Why do you find it so hard to arrive to church on time? m. Why does it always seem that your heart is not prepared to worship the Lord or see His people? n. Why does it always take so long for you to settle into your pew and adopt a posture of listening and learning? o. Why do the songs never seem to resonate? p. Why do thoughts of the outside world keep interfering. q. Why do you seem to focus on everything under the sun but what the text of scripture is saying and how it applies to you? r. Why, although you have had 6 cups of coffee, although the temperature is set to an icy 67 degrees, and the preacher is NOT as boring as he could be

Text:  2 Peter 1:19-2, Matthew 2:6, 2:12-23Today Bub Hayes leads us in the study of Biblical prophesy.Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) December 28, 2025Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Join us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus with scripture reading, story time for kids, and worship!Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit:https://www.wearebethany.comTHIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) December 23, 2025Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Text: Luke 2:21-38Christmas is easily the most popular yet underestimated holiday in the Christian calendar. In one breath, it's easy to say that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, but in the next be completely unmoved by why the events around His birth matter for us in everyday life. So what is Christmas truly all about and why does it matter in our lives today? Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) December 21, 2025Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Text: 1 Timothy 2:5, Luke 1:38, 2:26-55, 11:27-28Christmas is easily the most popular yet underestimated holiday in the Christian calendar. In one breath, it's easy to say that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, but in the next be completely unmoved by why the events around His birth matter for us in everyday life. So what is Christmas truly all about and why does it matter in our lives today? Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) December 7, 2025Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Text: Genesis 3:1-7, Luke 2:1-7 Christmas is easily the most popular yet underestimated holiday in the Christian calendar. In one breath, it's easy to say that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, but in the next be completely unmoved by why the events around His birth matter for us in everyday life. So what is Christmas truly all about and why does it matter in our lives today? Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) November 30, 2025Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Text: James 5:13-20This series we will be diving into the Book of James to learn the relationship faith and obedience have with one another. Faith is more than a hopeful optimism – it's a commitment of trust and dedication that reveals itself in our daily steps of obedience. Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) November 23, 2025Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Text: James 5:1-12This series we will be diving into the Book of James to learn the relationship faith and obedience have with one another. Faith is more than a hopeful optimism – it's a commitment of trust and dedication that reveals itself in our daily steps of obedience. Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) November 16, 2025Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Text: James 4:4-17This series we will be diving into the Book of James to learn the relationship faith and obedience have with one another. Faith is more than a hopeful optimism – it's a commitment of trust and dedication that reveals itself in our daily steps of obedience. Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) November 9, 2025Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Text: James 3:13-4:3This series we will be diving into the Book of James to learn the relationship faith and obedience have with one another. Faith is more than a hopeful optimism – it's a commitment of trust and dedication that reveals itself in our daily steps of obedience. Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) November 2, 2025Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Text: James 3:1-12This series we will be diving into the Book of James to learn the relationship faith and obedience have with one another. Faith is more than a hopeful optimism – it's a commitment of trust and dedication that reveals itself in our daily steps of obedience. Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) October 26, 2025Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

In this era when politics and Christian identity are so tightly wrapped around one another, it's common to see people arguing that the people across the aisle aren't “real” Christians—because of what or who they support or defend. But is this division between Christians helpful, or even true? What if they ARE real Christians—and they are our responsibility? Launching points for this discussion include a recent Substack by Tim Whitaker (The New Evangelicals), entitled “Stop Saying They Aren't Real Christians,” Katherine Stewart's book “Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy,” and Zach Lambert's “Better Ways to Read the Bible: Transforming a Weapon of Harm into a Tool of Healing.” ***** Special thanks to our sponsors at Quoir, publishers of The Quollective. The Quollective isn't just another media platform. It's a grassroots,  justice-fueled toolbox for people who want to change the world—and still laugh while doing it. ---- Use promo code radicallove for 10% off a yearly subscription—that's a savings of 20% off the monthly price.  Go to thequollective.com and let's build a post-fascist future together.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Text: James 2:14-26This series we will be diving into the Book of James to learn the relationship faith and obedience have with one another. Faith is more than a hopeful optimism – it's a commitment of trust and dedication that reveals itself in our daily steps of obedience. Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) October 12, 2025Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Christians, real Christians, know and understand salvation, the incredible salvation experience, when they have met and believed in Jesus Christ.Real Christians know the experience of forgiveness of sin, the soul and character-changing encounter with the crucifixion, the body and blood of our Lord.Real Christians know how important, vital and life-changing PRAYER is, communion with God Almighty every day.Real Christians study Scripture, the Bible, Old and New Testaments, to learn, to grow, and to show themselves approved unto God work men and women who are never ashamed of the Gospel and their incredible spiritual experiences.Real Christians grow, understand, and are thrilled with the challenges and opportunities of THE JOURNEY OF LIFE.But even real Christians may not know the necessity, the meaning of this extremely important Biblical command:I WILL MEDITATE ON YOUR PRECEPTS. (TEACHINGS, COMMANDMENTS, LAWS, AND GRACE, AMONG OTHERS)Of all the Christians verities, the marvelous act of meditation may be the one most misunderstood or neglected. But Psalm 119:15 implores us to never forget to meditate daily, DAILY! There is no day too busy not to take time to:MEDITATE ON HIS PRECEPTS.Meditation, real meditation, as the process begins, is difficult. For some, it is very difficult. It requires an environment of:COMPLETE QUIET.Spurgeon urges and indicates that meditation, real meditation, can only occur when one enters the so-called CLOSET where there is complete quiet, perhaps darkness, an environment without distraction, noise, and certainly other people. There is an environment where one is alone and only with the company of THE HOLY SPIRIT, and with the presence of our Lord. It becomes the perfect QUIET TIME, away from everyone and everything.It is in that precious environment of SOLITUDE AND SILENCE that one, that every true Christian believer, can really hear and absorb the presence of:THE HOLY SPIRIT.It is only there that this indispensable CHRISTIAN HELPER and Comforter can make His presence known.It is only in that quiet time that real Christian growth and especially understanding of the mysteries of the Gospel can be revealed. It is only there, in the closet, that there can occur the work of the Holy Spirit which includes:ILLUMINTATIONENLIGHTENMENTINSTRUCTIONSINTERPRETATIONINSPIRATIONThose incredible spiritual experiences can only occur when the believer is completely open, and then the Spirit bear's witness. The mind stands still, a tabula rasa readiness (a completely open and empty mind). All worldly thoughts are postponed, the heart opens wide, and the believer signals ready for the working of the Holy Spirit. Nothing is more difficult, but nothing is more worthwhile, NOTHING!Then one begins the next process, difficult, but necessary and oh-so-valuable, that completely open time when the believer:WAITS ON THE LORD.There is no agenda. The believer brings nothing spiritually or mentally into the closet but lays the soul bare before the Lord and waits, WAITS, on the Lord and the coming of the Holy Spirit. To understand the value, to learn patience, to learn how to wait, to empty the mind, and no matter how intellectual, really learn the deep, mysterious, and incredible truths of the Gospel. It is a discipline which takes time, practice, and constant experimentation. But no Christian experience is complete unless a believer learns how to practice and derive the benefits of:MEDITATION.And the incredible strengthening process of:WAITING ON THE LORD.Done right, then comes the work of the Holy Spirit. That work illuminates, educates, instructs, and, perhaps most importantly, interprets and inspires every believer, like nothing else and no other experience can. Meditation is the process of deep and rich:SPIRITUAL DIGESTION.The meditation experience alone can produce those rich and vital spiritual vitamins, the most important spiritual digestion of anything in the Christian journey.It takes time, quality time, daily time, no day is too busy to set aside quality time for the partnership and the workings of the Holy Spirit in meditation. There is no believer or any day which can not provide:30 MINUTESor more of quality time all alone IN THE CLOSET with the Holy Spirit. If a Christian sincerely wishes to grow in the things of the Gospel and our Lord, the goal should be the setting aside of that quality time, perhaps a minimum of 30 minutes:EVERY DAY.Then, a believer can rightly ASK, and, in that environment, there comes the Scriptural promise that such asking will be answered:ASK AND YOU WILL RECEIVE THE ANSWERS.Meditation, real meditation, is not easy. It takes practice, time, trial and error, and patience, careful love, and patience in this cell phone age. But there is no spiritual experience, Christian experience, in the journey of faith, which is more worthwhile or more necessary if one, any believer, no matter how busy, sincerely desires to experience in this life all that our Lord and the Holy Spirit has promised to all true believers. As with prayer and thanksgiving, MEDITATION should be an essential part of the Christian journey and experience:EVERY DAY!

Rev. Dennis Ebert - Missions 2025 - Luke 10:25-37

Text: James 1:13-25This series we will be diving into the Book of James to learn the relationship faith and obedience have with one another. Faith is more than a hopeful optimism – it's a commitment of trust and dedication that reveals itself in our daily steps of obedience. Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) September 28, 2025Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Are you living a faith so quiet that people who know you best would be shocked to discover you're a Christian? Do you mistake political arguments for gospel proclamation, confusing cultural battles with the call of Christ? This convicting message confronts the stark reality that most American Christians face zero persecution - not because we're blessed, but because our faith is invisible. Discover why Jesus promised persecution to His followers, why we should actually pray for it, and what it reveals about whether our faith is genuine or just comfortable lip service.

Text: James 1:13-25This series we will be diving into the Book of James to learn the relationship faith and obedience have with one another. Faith is more than a hopeful optimism – it's a commitment of trust and dedication that reveals itself in our daily steps of obedience. Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) September 21, 2025Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Text: James 1:1-12This series we will be diving into the Book of James to learn the relationship faith and obedience have with one another. Faith is more than a hopeful optimism – it's a commitment of trust and dedication that reveals itself in our daily steps of obedience. Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) September 14, 2025Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Text: Colossians 3:12-17This series takes a dive into what it looks like to long for and grow in spiritual maturity in a world that longs to avoid, ignore, or adjust the Truth and reality of Jesus and the Christian faith. Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) August 31, 2025Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Text: Colossians 2:16-3:10This series takes a dive into what it looks like to long for and grow in spiritual maturity in a world that longs to avoid, ignore, or adjust the Truth and reality of Jesus and the Christian faith. Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) August 24, 2025Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Text: Colossians 2:6-14This series takes a dive into what it looks like to long for and grow in spiritual maturity in a world that longs to avoid, ignore, or adjust the Truth and reality of Jesus and the Christian faith. Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comTHIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) August 17, 2025Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Will the real Christians please stand up? This week, we're getting to the bottom of a very divisive issue. In a world where people in different sects of Christianity are constantly drawing lines in the sand, and declaring who counts as a "real Christian", can we look to the Bible itself to help us determine the truth? Or will the Dans just muddy the waters again? In the second half of our show, we'll talk about the sons of God. Not the son, the sons. Plural. Who are these divine beings? And why are they looking at the human women like that? ---- For early access to an ad-free version of every episode of Data Over Dogma, exclusive content, and the opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠      Follow us on the various social media places: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitter.com/data_over_dogma⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Have you ordered Dan McClellan's New York Times bestselling book ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Bible Says So⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ yet??? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Galatians 5:24-26 Bonus Episode with Jeff Thanks to everyone who supports TMBH at patreon.com/thetmbhpodcast You're the reason we can all do this together! Discuss the episode here Music by Jeff Foote

Genuine repentance doesn't fade after an emotional moment—it keeps bearing fruit in an ongoing life of obedience, surrender, and spiritual renewal (Ac. 26:20; Mt. 3:8; Col. 2:6). Real Christians keep repenting, because grace not only forgives but fuels a lifelong pursuit of holiness.

Genuine repentance doesn't fade after an emotional moment—it keeps bearing fruit in an ongoing life of obedience, surrender, and spiritual renewal (Ac. 26:20; Mt. 3:8; Col. 2:6). Real Christians keep repenting, because grace not only forgives but fuels a lifelong pursuit of holiness.

A new MP3 sermon from Audiobooks by Thomas Boston is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: 04 - The Distinguishing Characters of Real Christians, Part 4 Subtitle: Characters of Real Believers Speaker: Thomas Boston Broadcaster: Audiobooks by Thomas Boston Event: Audiobook Date: 2/17/1800 Bible: Philippians 3:3 Length: 57 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Audiobooks by Thomas Boston is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: 01 - The Distinguishing Characters of Real Christians, Part 1 Subtitle: Characters of Real Believers Speaker: Thomas Boston Broadcaster: Audiobooks by Thomas Boston Event: Audiobook Date: 2/14/1800 Bible: Philippians 3:3 Length: 56 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Audiobooks by Thomas Boston is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: 02 - The Distinguishing Characters of Real Christians, Part 2 Subtitle: Characters of Real Believers Speaker: Thomas Boston Broadcaster: Audiobooks by Thomas Boston Event: Audiobook Date: 2/15/1800 Bible: Philippians 3:3 Length: 46 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Audiobooks by Thomas Boston is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: 05 - The Distinguishing Characters of Real Christians, Part 5 Subtitle: Characters of Real Believers Speaker: Thomas Boston Broadcaster: Audiobooks by Thomas Boston Event: Audiobook Date: 2/18/1800 Bible: Philippians 3:3 Length: 46 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Audiobooks by Thomas Boston is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: 03 - The Distinguishing Characters of Real Christians, Part 3 Subtitle: Characters of Real Believers Speaker: Thomas Boston Broadcaster: Audiobooks by Thomas Boston Event: Audiobook Date: 2/16/1800 Bible: Philippians 3:3 Length: 56 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Audiobooks by Thomas Boston is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: 06 - The Distinguishing Characters of Real Christians, Part 6 Subtitle: Characters of Real Believers Speaker: Thomas Boston Broadcaster: Audiobooks by Thomas Boston Event: Audiobook Date: 2/19/1800 Bible: Philippians 3:3 Length: 33 min.

Text: Ephesians 4:1-16In this mini-series we will examine what community looks and what it means to build Jesus' Church together.Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) July 13, 2025Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

In this episode of Uncommon Sense, we're talking about Tucker Carlson's highly discussed interview with Senator Ted Cruz. I'll be sharing my honest thoughts on how it went, why I think Tucker came out ahead, and what this kind of bold, unscripted, and unapologetically frank conversation means for the future of political discourse (spoiler: I'm all for it).We'll go into why I support constructive confrontation—yes, even when it gets "mean" and uncomfortable. The Founding Fathers didn't tiptoe around the truth, so why should we? They debated passionately because the stakes were high. The polite punditry act is wearing thin, and people are tired of political puppets mouthing safe lines. They're craving what we saw here: real conviction, real disagreement, and real questions.We'll cover why I believe Tucker won this exchange: from his biblical literacy to his serious concerns about foreign lobbying groups like AIPAC having a hand in U.S. policy. Ted got visibly nervous when pressed about Scripture, about Israel, and about U.S. involvement in a possible war with Iran. And the question still lingers: Why are we only now suddenly being pushed to act, when Trump was reportedly targeted by Iran two years ago?Most importantly, we'll reflect on Tucker's question—a theological one with deep political ramifications: Who is the real Israel according to God? Is it the modern state that does not believe Jesus is Lord and historically has required a denial of Christ for Jewish returnees? Or is it the true church—those who belong to Christ?I'll share my belief unapologetically: Israel is the body of believers in Jesus Christ. Not those who reject Him. Not those who crucified Him. That's a hard truth, but a necessary one in these last days when clarity very much matters.Faith shouldn't be a popularity contest.--https://www.thebrandsunday.com/products/the-bible-study-physical?srsltid=AfmBOorwAVEYslTlOGA-36_bHHjruNDOebEKWQ6M2115NZZwL8WG_ali

In this episode of Uncommon Sense, we're talking about Tucker Carlson's highly discussed interview with Senator Ted Cruz. I'll be sharing my honest thoughts on how it went, why I think Tucker came out ahead, and what this kind of bold, unscripted, and unapologetically frank conversation means for the future of political discourse (spoiler: I'm all for it).We'll go into why I support constructive confrontation—yes, even when it gets "mean" and uncomfortable. The Founding Fathers didn't tiptoe around the truth, so why should we? They debated passionately because the stakes were high. The polite punditry act is wearing thin, and people are tired of political puppets mouthing safe lines. They're craving what we saw here: real conviction, real disagreement, and real questions.We'll cover why I believe Tucker won this exchange: from his biblical literacy to his serious concerns about foreign lobbying groups like AIPAC having a hand in U.S. policy. Ted got visibly nervous when pressed about Scripture, about Israel, and about U.S. involvement in a possible war with Iran. And the question still lingers: Why are we only now suddenly being pushed to act, when Trump was reportedly targeted by Iran two years ago?Most importantly, we'll reflect on Tucker's question—a theological one with deep political ramifications: Who is the real Israel according to God? Is it the modern state that does not believe Jesus is Lord and historically has required a denial of Christ for Jewish returnees? Or is it the true church—those who belong to Christ?I'll share my belief unapologetically: Israel is the body of believers in Jesus Christ. Not those who reject Him. Not those who crucified Him. That's a hard truth, but a necessary one in these last days when clarity very much matters.Faith shouldn't be a popularity contest.--https://www.thebrandsunday.com/products/the-bible-study-physical?srsltid=AfmBOorwAVEYslTlOGA-36_bHHjruNDOebEKWQ6M2115NZZwL8WG_ali

Text: Mark 1:9-15Missions Month is a time where we revisit and remember the promise and responsibility of the Gospel in the lives of others. The Gospel is a message that is both to be modeled in lifestyle and shared with words. This month we will look at the different ways our church invests itself in missions locally and globally, and spend time growing in our understanding of missions and the Gospel.Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) June 15, 2025Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Text: Mark 9:35-37Ministry to kids and teens matters because it mattered to Jesus. Today we explore the importance and need for healthy NextGen ministries and leaders. We also introduce our candidate to be our new NextGen Pastor: Nate Drake.Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) June 8, 2025Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Send us a text(REPRISE) For a second time, Ken welcomes Rev. Ben Cremer to the podcast for Season 5. Ken starts by thanking Ben for that first interview, "Myths We Believe," which is far and away the most downloaded podcast of Ken's more than 300 episodes (exceeding the former first-place interview with Kristin Kobes Du Mez). Ben is a prolific author, just finishing up the manuscript of his first book. He has a big audience for his newsletter, which is delivered weekly on Sunday mornings. He calls it "Into The Gray." It's a resource of books, podcasts, and then a thoughtful essay of his own around important issues of the day. Ken chose three to discuss on this podcast - first, "A Troubling Conversation" highlighting the commonly held doctrine of Total Depravity. The second contemplates the common default answer when Christians encounter those who hold opposite views. They'll say, "Well, they aren't REAL Christians." The third addresses a spiritual discipline that is widely ignored in the traditions both Ben and Ken grew up in - lament. Ben brings fresh, sometimes provocative thinking to all three issues. Ken predicts that this conversation will be another that breaks records. SHOW NOTESSupport the showBecome a Patron - Click on the link to learn how you can become a Patron of the show. Thank you! Ken's Substack Page The Podcast Official Site: TheBeachedWhiteMale.com

Text: 2 Timothy 4:6-8Faith rarely falls apart for us because of tragic circumstances. It usually comes from a slow, steady, unassuming fade. Today we look at Paul's last letter for a glimpse at what it takes to build an enduring faith. Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) May 11, 2025Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Text: Psalm 95The Book of Psalms is a rich and thought-provoking book that has inspired believers for generations. More than a book of lamenting, Psalms has songs and poems full of rich calls to worship, repentance, wisdom, and reflection. This series we will learn about some practical applications to worship and spiritual growth by gleaning from the Psalms.  Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) March 23, 2025Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Text: Psalm 51The Book of Psalms is a rich and thought-provoking book that has inspired believers for generations. More than a book of lamenting, Psalms has songs and poems full of rich calls to worship, repentance, wisdom, and reflection. This series we will learn about some practical applications to worship and spiritual growth by gleaning from the Psalms.  Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) March 16, 2025Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Go to any comment section where someone has made a controversial claim about the Bible and you'll see it: someone gatekeeping the idea of who qualifies as a "true Christian". Real Christians believe in the trinity, or else decidedly DON'T believe in the trinity. Real Christians believe we're saved through works. Or through faith alone. Or neither. Or both... On this week's episode, Dr. David Congdon joins us to discuss his book Who is a True Christian. If you think that question is settled or remotely easy to answer... well you haven't paid attention to this show. Dr. Congdon walks us through the history, politics, and power struggles behind these questions, and gives us big insights into ways we can address this difficult quandary going forward. For early access to an ad-free version of every episode of Data Over Dogma, exclusive content, and the opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: https://www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma      Follow us on the various social media places: https://www.facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod https://www.twitter.com/data_over_dogma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices