The LBC Podcast

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 o...

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 bibl...

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! Boo...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

"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...

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 in...

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...

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.