Unrealistic expectations can derail a marriage. Pastor Brad Bigney explains how embracing the realities of marriage—dying to self and living for your spouse—unlocks God’s greater plan for your relationship. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thriv…

Jesus is the Lamb of God and we say this often in church. Do we stop and ask why we do this or what it means? How should we understand what significance it has for John the Baptist to call Jesus the Lamb of God? What does being the Lamb have to do with taking away the sins of the world? And why does all of this come up on the last Sunday before Chr…

Names are important things. This is easily seen when people get upset when their names are gotten wrong. Why does God tell us in our readings this evening that His Son should be called Jesus and Immanuel? What significance do these names have? Find out in this sermon for the third Wednesday of Advent (12/18/2024) from St. John's Lutheran Church of …

John proclaimed Jesus to be the Messiah, the Lamb of God who came to take away the sin of the world. But here in Matthew 11, John sends his disciples to ask if Jesus is really the one, or if there is another. It seems strange that John would be confused, given his being a prophet. But he was confused. Worse, this confusion did not end with him. Jes…

The following sermon was preached for the funeral of Donnel Hankel on December 12, 2024. His obituary can be found at https://www.dahlstromfuneralhome.com/obituary/donnel-hankelDe către Rev. Chris Brademeyer

John is called many things: the Baptist, the Forerunner, Elijah, and he who makes straight the way of the Lord. We hear about him every year during Advent. But who is this John, exactly? Why did God send him into the wilderness to preach repentance? And what does all of this have to do with Jesus? Find out in this sermon for the 2nd Wednesday of Ad…

On today's episode of "3 Padres and a Shepherd," we are looking at the subject of Baptism. What is baptism - and who does the work in baptism? Is it an act of mankind's obedience toward God or is it God's work upon mankind? Is it a symbolic display of a person's faith, or is it a powerful work of God that 'does stuff' to mankind? Stick around for t…

Unrealistic expectations can crush a marriage. Pastor Brad Bigney invites you to say goodbye to the “perfect marriage” fantasy and embrace the refining process that makes your relationship a tool for spiritual growth and lasting joy. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you …

Reading the signs is an interesting thing. Jesus invites us to read the signs of the coming of the Kingdom and His return in glory. In His telling, the signs of the Kingdom are as obvious and plain as knowing that a budding tree means that Spring is on its way. Why does He make this comparison? What are these signs? How should I understand them? Wh…

Why do we remember various people on the liturgical calendar? The readings for this Wednesday service in Advent invite us to reflect on John the Baptist and also illustrate for us the reasons why it is good to remember faith men and women in the faith. What does John teach us about following Jesus? Why should we pay attention to his example? Find o…

In today's episode, we cover the topic of "Sectarianism and Modern Day Monasteries." Even though this sounds like a difficult and complex topic, it is very simple and applicable to the church and Christians today. Are we in the world? Are we of the world? Are we for the world? Check out this episode to learn more... and enjoy some laughs.…

Marriage requires more than effort; it demands the right foundation. Pastor Brad Bigney outlines how surrendering to biblical authority, letting go of unrealistic expectations, and relying on God’s Spirit are key to seeing your marriage grow, thrive, and glorify God. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial suppo…

Politics and Christianity have been a hot topic as of late. No doubt, this is because of the recent elections. Regardless of the origin, it is good for us to think about how Christians should behave as citizens of our nation. What role does politics have in the Christian's life? What should we be trying to accomplish in politics? Does Jesus have an…

We have much to be thankful for, and yet, we often do not thank God for all His blessings. The following sermon was preached on how God humbles us in order to instruct us towards those things that we need the most for Thanksgiving Day at St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND.De către Rev. Chris Brademeyer

Pastor Brad Bigney reveals the often-overlooked foundation for a thriving marriage: a commitment to biblical authority and a purpose greater than personal desires. Learn how these principles can transform your relationship into a testament to God’s glory. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Go…

This presentation was given for the Zion Lutheran Church Marriage Conference in Gwinner, ND on Nov. 16, 2024.De către Rev. Chris Brademeyer

The end of the world can be a terrifying prospect. The final judgement can cause worry. The destruction of all things in fire is not a pleasant thought. Should we worry about the end of the world? Should we fret about the final judgement? What is Christ going to say to us when He returns to judge the living and the dead? Find out in this sermon fro…

Golden calves, idols, are easy to see, aren't they? They would never sneak up on us or lead us astray. Except, they do this to Christians all the time. They're often not obvious to us, otherwise they would not be able to lead us astray. They often don't come in the guise of pagan statues, but instead, are more subtle and crafty. What are idols? How…

Pastor Brad Bigney reveals why marriage stands apart from all other relationships. Learn how marriage as a covenant requires partners to “leave, cleave, and weave,” creating a one-of-a-kind connection that brings deep growth, loyalty, and joy over a lifetime. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of ou…

A message from Bethany's Student Pastor Jason BrakefieldDe către Jason Brakefield

Human beings are a strange lot. On the one hand we have a very high opinion of ourselves; we seek to make our names known and great. We want monuments to our successes. On the other hand, we are prone to the worst of things: violence, greed, and even despair. What should we think of ourselves? Where should we go to get an accurate picture of human …

Pastor Brad Bigney explores why marriage isn’t just about happiness and shares why marriage is still a good gift from God. Uncover how embracing God’s design for marriage can transform your relationship. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive w…

A sermon by guest speaker Tucker Philbeck, Youth Ministry Intern, FBC Cullman, ALDe către Tucker Philbeck

Pastor Brad Bigney unpacks how fasting can be a powerful tool for transforming your marriage. Learn why this often-overlooked practice sharpens spiritual clarity and deepens your connection with God and your spouse. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to supp…

It's almost election time. There is a lot of hot air from all over the political spectrum. Some political prophets are calling it the end of days. How many elections in a row have been described as the most important of our lives now? It is difficult to think through political issues, especially when so many of us just look at headlines. So what is…

Death is a problem that hounds all of us. But we need not fear it. Why is this? Because the Lord who has defeated death has claimed us in baptism, washed us clean in His blood, and has forgiven us of all our sins! Those who die in Christ live in Him! Want to know more? Find out in this sermon for All Saints Day from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oa…

What would it look like if Jesus ran for President of The United States? What would He say at a campaign rally, at a debate or at a sit-down interview with CNN or FoxNews? During this five-week series we will take a look at what Jesus has to say about the issues we are facing today.De către Lead Pastor Brad Philbeck

In today's episode, we cover the topic of "Law and Gospel." What is the Law and what is the Gospel, and why does the Christian need to distinguish between these two doctrines? Furthermore, what happens if a church has the Law and no Gospel, or the Gospel with no Law? Does this doctrine actually matter in the church? Stick around as we unpack "Mt. S…

Is your marriage facing challenges? Many couples overlook the power of prayer in their marriage. Whether you’re dealing with everyday disagreements or major hurdles, prayer can be a valuable tool for your marriage. This week, Pastor Brad Bigney helps us understand the spiritual warfare that may be at play and how prayer can help create lasting chan…

Lutherans love to celebrate Reformation Day. Why do we do this? What is the Reformation about? Is this just a part of our heritage or is there something more important at work? What does all of this have to do with Jesus? Find out in this week's sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND.De către Rev. Chris Brademeyer

What would it look like if Jesus ran for President of The United States? What would He say at a campaign rally, at a debate or at a sit-down interview with CNN or FoxNews? During this five-week series we will take a look at what Jesus has to say about the issues we are facing today.De către Lead Pastor Brad Philbeck

Are you investing in your marriage as much as you do in your personal wellness? As the U.S. leads the world in wellness spending, Pastor Brad Bigney is going to show us it’s time to reflect on what it takes to cultivate a thriving marriage that mirrors the relationship between Christ and His Church. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be pos…

The world would have us believe that we human beings are a cosmic accident, the result of a number of random events that with no purpose or direction led to us being here today. But what does this mean for us? Well it means that life has no inherent value. It means that there is no inherent purpose for us being here. It means that it becomes morall…

What would it look like if Jesus ran for President of The United States? What would He say at a campaign rally, at a debate or at a sit-down interview with CNN or FoxNews? During this five-week series we will take a look at what Jesus has to say about the issues we are facing today.De către Lead Pastor Brad Philbeck

Is Jesus the main reference point in your marriage? God’s vision for marriage is that Jesus is at the center of it. If marriage is to be a picture to the world of the relationship between Christ and the Church, what biblical steps can we implement to paint that picture? In this episode of Thrive, Pastor Brad Bigney is going to begin sharing practic…

Isaiah relates an invitation from God to drink. Why is this a thing that we need? If we are invited to drink, does that mean that we're thirsty? What does it mean to be thirsty? Find out in this sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND!De către Rev. Chris Brademeyer

What would it look like if Jesus ran for President of The United States? What would He say at a campaign rally, at a debate or at a sit-down interview with CNN or FoxNews? During this five-week series we will take a look at what Jesus has to say about the issues we are facing today.De către Lead Pastor Brad Philbeck

Discover how understanding this divine design can transform your relationship from mere survival to true thriving. Pastor Brad Bigney discuss the importance of centering your marriage on Christ, the dangers of cultural influences, and practical steps for cultivating a Christ-centered partnership.___Thanks for listening!Thrive would not be possible …

Many people assume that there is a bridge that connects heaven and earth. Is this possible? If it is, what does connect earth and heaven? If these are connected, how should we act? And how do churches fit in all of this? Find out in this sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND.De către Rev. Chris Brademeyer

What would it look like if Jesus ran for President of The United States? What would He say at a campaign rally, at a debate or at a sit-down interview with CNN or FoxNews? During this five-week series we will take a look at what Jesus has to say about the issues we are facing today.De către Lead Pastor Brad Philbeck

Angels captivate our imaginations. Images of them are commonly found as decor and in gift shops. How do we know about angels? What do they do? What exactly are they? Where do they come from? Found out in this week's sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND!De către Rev. Chris Brademeyer

Pastor Brad Bigney dives into the purpose of marriage and how understanding God's design can transform your relationship. Are you cruising along like a Corvette or stuck on the side of the road?___Thanks for listening!Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners.If you would like to support Thrive we would be ex…

On today's episode of 3 Padres and a Shepherd, we examine the topic of Christian Nationalism. If one is patriotic, are they a Christian Nationalist? Is a Christian Nationalist a white supremacist? Or, is a Christian Nationalist something else?De către Rev. Chris Brademeyer

Taking stock of one's own self is hard. It is hard because it can lead to uncomfortable discoveries about our character and behavior. It is hard because it can lead to unhelpful naval gazing. It can result in false-humility and a destructive assessment of one's state as a person. How should we do this task? When can it be helpful? When can it be ha…

It is amazing how masterfully Jesus Christ used questions to teach vital spiritual truths. Jesus never asked a question because He needed to know the answer. He used questions the way a surgeon uses a scalpel, to delicately cut into a new level of understanding. In this 12-part sermon series we will discover some of the most important questions Jes…

Death is the great constant in this life. It brings lots of questions and speculations. This is understandable. Death does disrupt and destroy. But what can we do about this? What does God think about this? Why does it happen? Find out in this week's sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND!…

It is amazing how masterfully Jesus Christ used questions to teach vital spiritual truths. Jesus never asked a question because He needed to know the answer. He used questions the way a surgeon uses a scalpel, to delicately cut into a new level of understanding. In this 12-part sermon series we will discover some of the most important questions Jes…

We need things to live, and yet, things can be a great cause for concern and worry. Where does all that stuff come from that we need each day? Does God care about my daily needs? How can I know if God will provide for me each day? Find out in this week's sermon from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND.…

It is amazing how masterfully Jesus Christ used questions to teach vital spiritual truths. Jesus never asked a question because He needed to know the answer. He used questions the way a surgeon uses a scalpel, to delicately cut into a new level of understanding. In this 12-part sermon series we will discover some of the most important questions Jes…

It is a common idea that the intellect gets in the way of Christian faith. In America today, it is common to hear preaching that downplays wisdom and intellect in favor of emotions and being "childlike." And yet, the book of Proverbs commends us to be wise and to grow in wisdom. What is wisdom? Why should we have it? Where does it come from? How do…