Bethel Topeka podcast

59:51

In his sermon, Evan reflects on the foundational question, "What is the church?" He invites the congregation to move beyond surface-level understandings and to grasp the church as a vibrant, redeemed community filled with the Spirit and driven by a mission. Using the Nicene Creed, he underscores that the church is not merely a physical structure or a social club, but the bride of Christ—beloved, sacrificially redeemed, and positioned for a glorious future. Evan emphasizes the importance of understanding church history to gain insight into its present identity, highlighting how this history shapes the collective understanding and purpose of the church today.Evan details the multi-faceted role of the church: it is to be a unified body under Christ, a community of believers committed to growing together through discipleship, and a witness to the world. He stresses the necessity of deep relationships within the church, calling them to actively participate in each other's lives, bear burdens, and pursue reconciliation even amidst conflict. As followers of Christ, believers are called not just to attend services but to embrace their role in the body, championing the church's mission of spreading the gospel. Ultimately, the church must reflect the love and light of Christ in its community, fostering growth, unity, and outreach as it lives out its calling in a broken world.…

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Vision for Bethel // Ekklesia 1:31:57

11 days ago1:31:57

1:31:57

The Elders of Bethel share the vision of Bethel Baptist Church and give ministry updates.

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The Resurrection // Mark 16:1-8 39:27

18 days ago39:27

39:27

In his final sermon of the "Following the King" series, Pastor Evan Bialk draws on the poignant narrative from Mark 16:1-8, reflecting on the discoveries of Mary Magdalene and the other women at Jesus' empty tomb. He emphasizes that the sense of grief, confusion, and fear encountered by the women is emblematic of human experience, often filled with unanswered questions and burdens too heavy to bear. Yet, he highlights that amidst their despair, God had already worked miracles—rolling away the stone that the women feared would block their path. This powerful moment invites listeners to recognize that they, too, can experience God's transformative presence in their lives when they step forward in faith, even when the path seems daunting.As the sermon pivots toward the core message of Easter—“He is risen!”—Pastor Bialk elaborates on the significance of the resurrection, framing it as a declaration of victory over death and sin. He underscores the grace offered to those who feel lost or have faltered, like Peter, encouraging them to respond to the invitation of the empty tomb with hope rather than fear. Concluding with a call to live in the light of the resurrection, he reinforced that the story of Easter does not just end with the empty tomb but is an ongoing call to action for believers. The invitation to trust in the risen Christ echoes, urging everyone to consider their response to His resurrection and the new beginnings it heralds.…

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Self Defense or Self Denial? // Mark 14:43-72 49:42

25 days ago49:42

49:42

Pastor Evan Bialk delves into the contrasting trials of Jesus and Peter, emphasizing how each responded to pressure differently. Jesus exemplifies self-denial by surrendering His rights, remaining silent under accusations, and confessing His identity even at the cost of His life. In stark contrast, Peter resorts to self-defense, denying his association with Jesus out of fear, showcasing the human inclination to protect oneself rather than submit to God. The sermon encourages believers to reflect on their own lives, asking whether they are defending themselves instead of embracing self-denial, and affirms the hope found in Christ's perfect example and restorative grace.…

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Not My Will, But Yours // Mark 14:26-42 46:28

5 weeks ago46:28

46:28

In this sermon, Pastor Evan delves into Mark 14:26-42, exploring the profound moments in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus predicts the disciples' failures and submits to the Father's will. We examine the contrast between Christ's unwavering faithfulness and the disciples' human frailty, highlighting the grace and hope found in Jesus' obedience. Through powerful illustrations and real-life testimonies, we are reminded that our salvation rests not on our own strength, but on Christ's finished work on the cross. Join us as we find encouragement in the truth that even in our weaknesses and failures, Jesus remains true, offering us the hope of eternal life and the joy of resting in His faithfulness.…

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The Lord's Supper // Mark 14:12-25 45:59

6 weeks ago45:59

45:59

In this sermon, Pastor Evan emphasizes the profound significance of the Lord's Supper as depicted in Mark 14, where Jesus redefines the traditional Passover meal with his disciples. He invites his congregation to imagine the weight of a final meal, where every word and action holds deep meaning. Jesus transforms the Passover meal into a testament of participation in the Gospel, urging the church to see it not as a mere routine, but as a vital rhythm that nourishes their spiritual lives. He reflects on his own experiences growing up in a church that observed communion infrequently, contrasting it with a fuller understanding of how regular participation in the Lord's Supper should shape a church community. Pastor Evan explains that the Lord's Supper is rooted in redemption, symbolizing Jesus as the ultimate Passover lamb whose sacrifice offers salvation. He highlights that this sacred meal is an opportunity for gratitude and self-examination, calling believers to recognize their need for forgiveness and reconciliation with one another. The Lord's Supper serves not only to declare the Gospel but also to unite the church as one body, reminding believers of their collective identity in Christ. Ultimately, Pastor Evan encourages his congregation to view the Lord's Supper as a gift of grace, a tangible reminder of the salvation they have received, and a foretaste of the coming kingdom. He concludes with a call to come to the table, rejoice in the Gospel, and remain anchored in the truth of their faith amidst life's distractions.…

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Extravagant Sacrifice // Mark 14:1-11 51:04

7 weeks ago51:04

51:04

In today's sermon, Pastor Evan Bialk emphasizes the significance of giving extravagant gifts to the Lord as a true expression of discipleship, often perceived by the world as wasteful but deeply rooted in love. He recounts the story of a family, who sold their possessions and moved to Kenya to start an orphanage, demonstrating that true sacrifice can yield profound impacts that far outweigh worldly measures of success. Using the biblical account from Mark 14, Pastor discusses how the woman who anointed Jesus with expensive perfume exemplified unrestrained devotion, illustrating that true discipleship is characterized by extravagant sacrifices rather than calculated self-interest. Pastor challenges the congregation to reflect on their own lives and question what sacrificial love looks like for them, urging them to prioritize their worship and generosity towards Christ above all else. He highlights the contrast between the woman's act of worship and Judas's betrayal, encouraging followers to live in a manner that may appear wasteful to the world but is seen as beautiful in the eyes of Jesus. The ultimate call is to respond to Jesus's sacrifice with extravagant love and commitment, understanding that every act of obedience is a reflection of true discipleship.…

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Stay Awake // Mark 13:1-37 52:17

8 weeks ago52:17

52:17

We delve into Mark 13, exploring Jesus' teachings on the end times. In a world obsessed with eschatology, this sermon redirects our focus from predicting timelines to embracing hope, discernment, and faithfulness. Discover how Jesus calls us to remain vigilant and on mission, sharing the Gospel amidst trials and uncertainties. Be encouraged by the assurance that God will gather His people and find strength in the Holy Spirit's presence during times of persecution. Tune in to be inspired to live faithfully and unapologetically for Christ in these challenging times.…

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Giving that Pleases God // Mark 12:35-44 44:57

9 weeks ago44:57

44:57

We delve into the Gospel of Mark, specifically Mark 12:35-44, to explore the profound teachings of Jesus on the nature of true giving and the lordship of Christ. Pastor Evan challenges us to examine our understanding of who Jesus is and how that understanding should transform our lives, including our approach to giving. The sermon begins with Jesus' teaching in the temple, where He questions the religious leaders' understanding of the Messiah, emphasizing that the Messiah is not just David's descendant but David's Lord. This revelation demands a response of wholehearted surrender and obedience to Christ, beyond mere intellectual agreement. Pastor Evan then explores the contrasting examples of giving: the self-serving religious leaders who give for show and the humble widow who gives all she has out of faith. The widow's offering, though small in monetary value, is highlighted as a model of sacrificial discipleship and trust in God. Pastor Evan encourages us to reflect on our own giving, urging us to move beyond calculated, comfortable contributions to a place of sacrificial and faith-filled generosity. Throughout the sermon, we are reminded that true worship and giving flow from recognizing Christ's authority and lordship over our lives. The episode concludes with a call to examine our hearts and motivations in giving, ensuring that our generosity reflects the sacrificial love and trust exemplified by Jesus Himself. Join us as we explore how our giving can become an act of worship that delights God and aligns with the radical trust and obedience that Jesus calls us to.…

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Earthly Questions & Heavenly Answers // Mark 12:13-34 56:20

10 weeks ago56:20

56:20

Join us in this insightful sermon as we delve into the Gospel of Mark, exploring the profound teachings of Jesus in Mark 12:13-34. Discover how Jesus masterfully navigates the challenging questions posed by the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes, revealing the deeper realities of God's kingdom, His power, and His call to wholehearted love. In this sermon, we explore three pivotal questions about taxes, marriage in the afterlife, and the greatest commandment, uncovering how they form a cohesive picture of what it means to truly follow Christ. Are we seeing reality as God sees it, or are we missing the bigger picture? Listen in as we discuss the importance of loving God with our whole selves, actively loving our neighbors, and living a life defined by the hope of the resurrection. This sermon challenges us to step into the fullness of life in God's kingdom and to live out our faith with intentionality and love. Whether you're a long-time believer or exploring the Christian faith, this sermon offers valuable insights into living a life that reflects the love and teachings of Jesus. Tune in and be inspired to answer the call to follow Him as King.…

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The Rejected Authority // Mark 11:27-12:12 40:21

11 weeks ago40:21

40:21

In his sermon, Pastor Evan Bialk delves into Mark 11:27-12:12, exploring the challenges to Jesus’ authority presented by the religious leaders of the time. As they confront Jesus with insincere questions, Pastor emphasizes that their refusal to recognize His authority stems from a desire to maintain their power and comfort rather than a genuine search for truth. This dynamic serves as an introspective lens through which listeners are invited to examine their own hearts and the subtle ways they may resist God's authority in their lives. Pastor highlights the danger of spiritual blindness that can result from such rejection, paralleling the experiences of the religious leaders with contemporary struggles against God’s calling.Throughout the sermon, Pastor Evan illustrates the significance of Jesus’ parable of the wicked tenants, using it to underscore Israel's long history of dismissing God's messengers, culminating in the rejection of Jesus Himself. He encourages the congregation to recognize the importance of obedience and submission to God's Word and Spirit. The message culminates in a call to action, urging individuals to reflect on areas of their lives where they might be quenching the Spirit or turning away from God’s guidance, challenging them to build their lives on the cornerstone of Christ. Ultimately, the sermon poses a crucial question: will we acknowledge and respond to Jesus’ authority in our lives, or will we continue to resist?…

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The King's Bold Challenge // Mark 11:1-25 1:03:30

12 weeks ago1:03:30

1:03:30

In the sermon, Pastor Evan Bialk explores Mark 11, focusing on the significance of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the events surrounding it. As Jesus enters the city, fulfilling prophecy by riding on a colt, he is recognized as a king by his followers, though the city itself does not receive him. Pastor emphasizes that the crowd cheering "Hosanna" consists mainly of Jesus' disciples, not the citizens of Jerusalem, illustrating a misunderstanding of His true mission. This misunderstanding highlights the spiritual barrenness of Jerusalem and contrasts the superficial admiration with a deeper recognition of Jesus as the Messiah. As the sermon progresses, Pastor Evan discusses Jesus cursing the barren fig tree, symbolizing Israel's lifeless religious practices, and His cleansing of the temple, which exposes the corruption and hypocrisy of the religious elite. The pastor draws parallels between the temple's rituals and contemporary church practices, stressing the importance of genuine faith over mere external religiosity. By the end of the message, Pastor Evan challenges the congregation to examine their relationship with Jesus, to recognize Him as the true King, and to pursue a faith that transforms lives rather than mere religious activity. He urges believers to seek a genuine connection with Jesus at the center of their lives and their church.…

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Greatness in Self-Giving Service // Mark 10:35-52 51:34

13 weeks ago51:34

51:34

In his sermon, Pastor Evan Bialk examined Mark 10:35-52, focusing on the themes of humility, servanthood, and the true essence of greatness in the kingdom of God. He illustrated how James and John's request for positions of honor at Jesus' side revealed their misunderstanding of His mission. Instead of seeking status, true discipleship requires embracing sacrifice and a servant’s heart, much like Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. Pastor emphasized that greatness is not achieved through self-promotion but through selfless service to others, drawing parallels between the disciples' ambitions and our own often misguided desires for recognition.Pastor then contrasted the prideful request of James and John with the humble approach of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar who pleaded for mercy rather than glory. Bartimaeus’s faith and humility exemplified the attitude that believers should adopt when approaching Christ—acknowledging personal need rather than demanding personal glory. Ultimately, Pastor encouraged the congregation to live a life of humility and service, reflecting on how true greatness is found in giving ourselves to God’s mission rather than pursuing our personal preferences and status. He concluded by challenging the church to become a community characterized by love and service, inviting everyone to seek greatness through humility, as Jesus demonstrated.…

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Being a Humble Servant // Mark 10:13-34 34:18

14 weeks ago34:18

34:18

In Pastor Donovan's sermon, the focus is on the themes from Mark 10, which emphasize humility, dependence on God, and servanthood. He begins by highlighting Jesus' teachings regarding children, illustrating that to enter the Kingdom of God, one must adopt a child-like faith, characterized by trust and receptiveness. Pastor Donovan explains that this humility recognizes our helplessness and reliance on God’s grace, as the Kingdom cannot be earned through our own works or merit, highlighting the futility of pride and self-justification.The sermon shifts to the story of the rich young ruler, where Pastor Donovan notes that wealth can create barriers between individuals and God. He emphasizes Jesus' profound love for the ruler, calling him to relinquish his possessions in order to follow Him fully. This call to action reflects Jesus' example of servanthood and sacrifice, reminding the congregation that true greatness comes from serving others and prioritizing the Kingdom of God over worldly comforts and achievements. Ultimately, Pastor Donovan encourages the congregation to embrace their identity in Christ, shedding idols like pride and wealth, and to commit to a life of humble service, following the example Jesus set.…

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Divorce // Mark 10:1-12 52:49

15 weeks ago52:49