Talking About Our Beautiful Savior: Recent Episodes
Alex Groth
This podcast is part of the ministry at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Cincinnati. The goal is helping our families talk about God with their kids. We will do a variety of things each week, including previewing Sunday School lessons and worship services. We will have some guests now and then as well! Please send any feedback you have to pastor_groth@beautiful-savior.com
This week we're talking God's generosity and our gratitude! That includes manna, post-Flood thanksgiving, and a healed leper!
This week we talk about Jesus cleansing the temple and the need to focus on what matters in eternity!
We see God's power and restraint in the Ten Plagues! Also we discuss how God wants us to view the money He entrusts to us.
This week we explore the Lost and Found concepts in Luke 15 and Hosea 3. Plus, Jesus as an obedient 12-year-old!
This week we discuss Jesus' instruction to "count the cost." Our mindset about discipleship is important! Also Simeon and Anna meet the long-expected Jesus.
This week we explore the realities of pride and the way God is able to provide humble service through us!
It's a Fall Kick-Off Preview! God's creation of Adam and Eve + the Narrow Door = Episode 152.
This week we discuss Jesus' promise that his Word will divide! That Word is a fire and a hammer!
It's a special Wisconsin edition for our sesquicentennial episode! Pastor Groth is joined by his sister Ashley and his dad Jim to discuss our upcoming Mission Sunday.
This week we discuss the way God wants us to view our posessions. Our worth is not in what we own!
This week we look at the mystery of the baby in the basket and then discuss God sending Ezekiel to a tough audience.
This week we look at Queen Esther and the total commitment God is looking for from His people.
This week we celebrate 40 years of Pastor Westra's pastoral ministry and look at God's response to Israel's idolatry in the book of Ezekiel.
This week we celebrate Trinity Sunday and walk through Philip's evangelism work with a man from Ethiopia.
This week we celebrate Pentecost, and the Holy Spirit gets the spotlight! Also, King Josiah carries out an Old Testament Reformation.
This week we celebrate Ascension and the truth that Jesus still rules for our good! Plus, Hezekiah demontrates the ups and downs of the Christian life.
This week we get into the devastation of the northern exile and the fact that Christian joy exists independent of our circumstances.
This week we talk about God's lavish love! Also, we explore Isaiah's call into ministry.
We had some technical difficulties but we cobbled together an episode for Good Shepherd Sunday. We hear our Savior's voice!
This week we discuss how the risen Jesus allows us to see clearly. We talk about the catch of fish miracles Jesus did to bookend his public ministry.
It's still Easter, and we look at two instances of the disciples processing the resurrection.
We take a look at a showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. We also look forward to this weekend when we'll celebrate Palm Sunday and Confirmation.
Carrie is back this week, and we're talking about Solomon's temple. Plus, grace instead of condemnation!
Carrie is sick this week, so Liam fills in admirably as guest host. We discuss Solomon's wisdom and God's patience.
This week we explore David's reaction to hearing "No" from God. Also our citizenship is in heaven!
This week we look at the friendship of David and Jonathan. Plus, Jesus as our High Priest and substitute!
It's Transfiguration week and we get to talk about Jesus' hidden glory! Plus, a few points to consider in the account of David and Goliath.
Valentimes Edition! This week we look at Jesus raising a young man at Nain and explore the contradictions of what God calls blessings and curses.
This week we look at the healing of a paralyzed man and the way that God prepares the unqualified, like Isaiah and Peter, to be sent out.
This week we discuss the theme: Popularity Is Not Proof of Success. Also, we celebrate the faithfulness of Deborah and Jael in our Sunday School lesson!
This week we look at the God who can do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine. Plus, the complicated decisions of Rahab.
This week we look at the twists and turns involved in the book of Esther. We also discuss the beauty of Baptism, both Jesus' and ours!
This week we celebrate the Festival of Epiphany and take some lessons from Daniel in the lions' den!
This week we look at Jesus as both substitute and sacrifice. Plus the three men in the fiery furnace!
Carrie is back! We look at three readings from our upcoming Christmas services and talk about reflecting on the meaning of Jesus' birth.
This week we have a special guest to help us review Live Nativity and talk through the Magi coming to worship Jesus. Also we explore the fruits of repentance.
This week we explore the concept of repentance and look at the Christmas story in Luke 2.
This week we look at Judgment Day and review the account of Naboth and Ahab. Rain edition!
This week we focus on stewardship and trusting in God to provide. Plus, Elijah's showdown with the prophets of Baal!
It's Saints Triumphant, and we're discussing Jesus' power over death. Plus, the wisdom of Solomon!
This week we look at God's response to David's sin and discuss the wonder of the Reformation!
This week we talk about David's kindness to Saul and the way God motivates us for selfless sacrifice!
A solo episode this week as Carrie lost her voice! I talk about priorities and David vs. Goliath.
This week we explore the anointing of Saul and discuss the way God calls husbands and wives to love each other.
This week we celebrate St. Michael and All Angels! Also we explore Hannah and Samuel's relationships with God.
This week we get ready for Fall Kick-Off with a look at God's creation of Adam and Eve, Psalm 146, and Jesus' healing of a man in the Decapolis.
It's our 100th episode, and we're excited to talk about Jesus as the only food we need! Plus, Jesus interacts with a woman caught in a terrible situation.
This week we're looking at the way earthly concerns can distract us from spiritual ones. Plus, Paul baptizes the Philippian jailer!
We see God's unseen power in Pentecost, the saving of Elisha, and Jesus walking on water!
This week we look at the Great Commission and God's promise to bless us abundantly in order that we might serve others!
This week we explore the Bible's teachings on Judgment Day and talk about the role of compassion in Christianity!
This week we talk about the authority of God's Word as seen in Paul's words to Timothy, the work of the prophet Amos, and Jesus sending out the 12!
We start a new series called Meaningful Ministry and discuss how God's Word is sometimes met with rejection. Plus, Paul is shipwrecked! Again!
Jesus transforms our view of death, as we see in 2 Corinthians 4 and Mark 5. Plus, God protects Paul in a dramatic way!
This week we talk about God being with us throughout the storms of life, including Job getting a dramatic talk with the Almighty God. Plus, more of the Apostle Paul's preaching and perils!
This week we see how a small seed of God's Word grows into a massive kingdom! Plus, Paul demonstrates some amazing mission strategy in the city of Athens.
We celebrate Jesus' power over the devil as demonstrated in Revelation 20 and Mark 3. Also we meet Lydia on Paul's missionary journey.
This week we celebrate true rest in Jesus! We see that in the Jerusalem Council, Moses' instructions about the first Sabbath, and then Jesus' Sabbath Day miracle.
It's Trinity Sunday, and we celebrate God being holy, holy, holy. We see the over-the-top reaction Paul gets to a miracle, bow before God with Isaiah, and talk about how the Triune God brings us into His family.
It's Pentecost! We look at Peter's jail escape, the Valley of the Dry Bones, and the miracles done at the first Pentecost.
We celebrate Ascension in this week's podcast, which includes Luke's account in Acts 1 and Paul's description of the Christian church in Ephesians 4. Our Sunday School lesson focuses on the moment that Christians were first called Christians.
Jesus' Business Is Love and So Is Ours! Today we see Cornelius and Peter meet and the beginning of a unified early Christian church. We also witness Peter raise the very loving Tabitha from the dead and discuss Jesus' command to love one another.
This week's Resurrection Reality is that Jesus produces a living faith! Peter and John change a man's life in Jesus' name, the early church is unified, and we are connected to the Vine!
Good Shepherd Sunday! Jesus restores Peter. Paul encourages the Ephesian leaders to be good shepherds themselves, and Jesus urges us to listen to his voice!
Easter gives us an amazing message to share! We visit the proof room with Thomas, listen to Peter's amazing post-miracle sermonette, and discuss John's instructions on being honest about sin.
Resurrection Reality! We switch things up and talk through some resurrection apologetics instead of our basic Sunday School lesson walkthrough. Also we go to Corinth with Paul and explore fellowship based around the risen Jesus.
Easter edition! Two return guests join us to explore the resurrection reality of Job 19 and Mark 16. He is risen!
Palm Sunday is coming up! Today we sit in the courtroom at Jesus' trial, listen to a prophecy about the Palm Sunday donkey, and run our race with Jesus! Also make sure you participate in the March Madness Easter candy bracket.
Rethinking Devoted Commitment with a Shyamalan twist! Plus, Jesus' arrest, God's love for Israel, and our Savior's obedience.
Rethinking the solution to sin! Plus, Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper, the bronze snake, and the beauty of John 3:16.
Rethinking the worth of worship today! The foolishness of God, Jesus cleansing the temple, and a widow's mite.
Today we rethink suffering through Job's experience and God's promises in Romans 5. Also Palm Sunday!
Our Lent worship series begins as we explore Mary anointing Jesus, Abraham instructed to do something crazy, and Jesus tempted in the wilderness. Plus, the computer maybe breaks!
It's Transfiguration Sunday, an underrated Sunday in the church year. We see God's glory in Christ and also talk about Jesus telling the disciples to let the little children come to him. And Yoda is also discussed.
GROUNDHOG'S DAY EDITION! We talk about the thankful Samaritan returning to Jesus, the confidence we have in God's promises, and the authority of Jesus to forgive sins.
This week we see Jesus fulfill the prophecy of Moses by demonstrating absolute authority! Jesus shows that authority by raising Lazarus from the dead and by driving out an evil spirit.
This week we discuss how God has sent us on a mission that can be intimidating. We also navigate the twists and turns of Jesus healing a man born blind in John 9!
This week we have to two special guests to celebrate Baptism of Our Lord! What does Baptism mean for us? What is the significance of the Lost and Found parables Jesus tells?
Our first episode of 2024 focuses on Epiphany! From the account of Mary and Martha, we learn the importance of spiritual priorities. Also the star in the sky leads the Magi to the Savior of all nations!
In our last episode of 2023, we look at some spiritual resolutions and discuss the peace of God's presence in worship.
We have a special guest join us to talk about the true meaning of Christmas. Then we discuss four more Chrismons and three of our Christmas Eve/Day lessons.
Since there's practice for the Sunday School Christmas service this Sunday, we talk through the significance of some of the Chrismons ornaments at church. Then we explore God's reversal promises in Isaiah 61 and John the Baptist's Q&A in John 1.
It's Advent, which Carrie claims is her favorite season of the church year. We look at our Sunday School lesson about Transfiguration, God coming down to us in Isaiah 64, and Jesus' warning to stay prepared in Mark.
Thanksgiving edition! We prepare for Christ the King Sunday and look at Peter's confident confession!
This week we get ready to celebrate Saints Triumphant this week! We also watch Jesus walk on water and marvel along with the disciples.
This week we explore faithful service to our God and talk about how our entire lives are worship. Plus, Jesus calls Matthew to follow him!
It's End Time, everyone! That means discussion about being ready for the end of the world, as we know it. Also we explore Jesus' healing of a paralyzed man and the Pharisees' angry response.
It's Reformation week! We celebrate with Daniel in the lions' den and Jesus' orientation speech for mission-bound disciples. Also we join Jesus in his conversation with a woman at the well.
This week we look at the readings for a special Stewardship Sunday. We also sit with Nicodemus and Jesus during a midnight talk about sin and salvation.
This week we watch Jesus cleanse the temple and then consider the heavenly banquet God has waiting for us!
This week we look at John the Baptist's work and explore God's reckless patience with the nation of Israel!
This week we explore the concept of spiritual insincerity. We find Jesus in the temple at age 12. We walk through the lows and highs of Jesus' life. Finally we look at a short parable that Jesus used in an attempt to get through to the Jewish leaders.
It's been one year of the podcast! Today we explore Luke's account of Christmas, Jonah's reaction to God's mercy, and a parable of perplexing generosity.
This week we wrap up our worship series on the Church God Wants by looking at God's call to forgive. We also listen to Zechariah's song following the birth of his son John.
We've reached Episode 50 and we have a special guest to celebrate! We welcome Natalie Cain as we see that the Church God Wants is one that is willing to say hard things. We also get to walk through the account of Gabriel announcing Jesus' arrival to Mary.
Theme: A Church that Takes Up Its Crosses. This week we see the power of prayer in King Hezekiah, ask God to make us a bronze wall, and explore Jesus calling Peter "Satan."
This week we look at Jesus restoring Peter, the LORD introducing Himself to Moses, and getting to really know Jesus!
We begin a new worship series called "The Church God Wants," and this week's theme is: "A Church For All People." We learn about the importance of focusing on Christ through a Sunday School lesson about the Rich Young Ruler. We also see how the church is for everyone through Paul's words in Ephesians 2 and Jesus' interesting conversation with a Canaanite woman in Matthew 15.
This week we finish our "Define Christian" series with a look at how God answers the doubts of Elijah and Peter. We also discuss Paul's short letter to Philemon, which is the basis for our Sunday School lesson.
We have a special guest this week! It's my sister, Ashley Kammer! We talk about Ahab coveting Naboth's vineyard, the mystery that is predestination, and Jesus feeding the 5,000.
We start with a special review of Vacation Bible School from a renowned critic. Then we review the friendship of David and Jonathan. Finally we explore what God teaches us about the value of spiritual wealth.
Today we explore the nature of Achan's sin and talk about God's response in Joshua 7. We also hear God challenge idols and tell us about the "weedy" nature of His kingdom.
This week we walk through the interesting way that Isaac and Rebekah's marriage came about by God's design. We also discuss how the Christian life of faith is like a plant growing.
This week the Christian finds rest in Jesus! We go through an action-packed account of Abraham rescuing Lot. Paul struggles with his own sin, and Jesus promises us peace in him!
Our podcast is officially OVER THE HILL! This week we start a new worship series called "Define Christian." This first Sunday explores how a Christian loves God above all else. We also marvel at the way Joseph took care of his aging father Jacob and kept the 4th Commandment.
This one got a little long, but there was so much good stuff to talk about with worship and our response as Christians to persecution! We explore Jeremiah's complaint and Paul's sobering words to the young pastor Timothy.
Our first podcast recorded in WISCONSIN! It's just like a regular podcast, but with an array of cheese curds sitting on the table next to us. We look at David versus Goliath, Moses asking for God to provide a replacement, and Jesus sending out the disciples to have compassion on the lost sheep of Israel.
Today we start a new worship series on the Holy Ministry! It's filled with sinners called by God. We also watch God's response to the Golden Calf and follow Jesus with the tax collector Matthew.
Behold, the beauty and mystery of Trinity Sunday! We look at the reason God gave the 10 Commandments, explore a divine conference at creation, and walk through the Great Commission.
It's Pentecost! We talk though the Spirit's work, especially in the apostle Peter. We also explore the first exile of Israel in 722 B.C.
This week we celebrate Ascension and explore Isaiah the prophet standing before the Almighty God!
This week we explore the story of Jonah, the reluctant prophet! Also we listen to Paul preach in Athens and determine how love is the best motivation for obedience.
This week we explore the miraculous healing of Naaman and talk about how Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life!
This week we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday and the need to listen to the Savior's voice! We also explore the amazing way God took the prophet Elijah home to heaven.
This week we look at Elijah's showdown with the prophets of Baal. Then we see how Jesus restores our hope through the lens of Peter's Pentecost sermon and Jesus' appearance to disciples on the road to Emmaus.
This week we explore Elijah being fed by ravens in the wilderness and discuss the way Jesus announced peace to the disciples on Easter Sunday.
This week we look at one reading each from our Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter services! Death is dead. Love has won. Christ has conquered!
This week we preview Palm Sunday and Jesus enters Jerusalem as a king! We also discuss some ups and downs for King Solomon.
This week we explore God's power over death, which includes two powerful narratives in which grieving people are given their loved ones back from the grave.
This week we look at David's mature response to not getting what we wanted. Also God calls us to be darkness instead of light and Jesus heals a man blind from birth! Also we made t-shirts for the podcast, but only two.
This week we explore the friendship of David and Jonathan. We also talk through God's unexpected love in Romans 5 and have a front row seat to one of Jesus' conversations in John 4.
Theme for the week: "Our Greatest Needs - A Gift for the World." We see that gift concept in both of our lessons from Romans 4 and John 3. Plus, we get to talk about God using David to bring down Goliath! And also Melville barks at anything that moves.
This week's theme is: A Champion for the Defeated. We walk through Saul's coronation as king, the fall into sin, and Jesus defeating temptation in the wilderness!
It's Transfiguration week! We discuss the juxtaposition of God's glory and Jesus' suffering. We also look at our Sunday School lesson, which beautifully describes Ruth's faith. Finally we get Carrie's pick for NBA All-Star Game MVP.
This week we cover one last portion of Jesus' Sermon the Mount. We will explore the ramifications of God's instruction to live a holy life. We also talk through flawed biblical figures like Samson and David. Plus, Carrie's Super Bowl picks!
This week we look at the great biblical leader Deborah and see how she was able to do exactly what Israel needed to do at exactly the right time. We also discuss this week's intriguing worship theme: "You Are...So Be!" Also, don't touch downed power lines.
This week we rely fully on God's strength! We see His power in the walls of Jericho tumbling down. Our readings also help us realize that we should find our identity in God, rather than in our own intelligence or abilities.
This week we explore Jesus appearing as the Lamb of God! We also walk through an exciting Sunday School lesson involving spies AGAIN!
Today we celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord! We go spying in the Promised Land with 12 Israelites. Then we talk about Jesus' role as the CHOSEN ONE!
This week we celebrate Epiphany! Our Sunday School lesson is a unique look at Old Testament worship. We also see how God fulfilled His promise to bring people from all nations to Jesus.
Sunday School is back! We walk through the sad account of the Golden Calf. We also get to see Jesus' work in making us part of God's family and marvel at the way God the Father protected the baby Jesus from Herod.
This week we do a speed run through the six readings on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! We see the beauty of God's salvation plan from several different angles and appreciate the humility of that first Christmas night.
It's Advent 4! This week we preview our reading from Isaiah 7 and it's promise of Immanuel. After much confusion about what kind of sign Carrie would request of God, we also talk about Joseph's role in the first Christmas.
This week we explore God providing water from a rock, the prophet Isaiah's beautiful pictures of flowers in a desert, and Jesus' great response to a shocking question from John the Baptist! We are grateful that Jesus is always the Messiah we need instead of the Messiah we think we want!
This week we reflect on this past Wednesday's Advent worship. We also talk about the grace of God in providing food for Israel in the wilderness. Our two readings for Sunday present to us a Jesus who takes sin/judgment seriously but also came to ensure a "not guilty" verdict for us.
We're in Advent! In this episode we talk about the majesty of God combined with the humility of Christmas, which equals the wonder of Advent! We also preview the Sunday School lesson this week, which focuses on the Passover.
This week we celebrate Christ the King! We explore how Jesus' kingdom often looks backwards from the typical way we define success. We will also preview the Ten Plagues in Egypt and see some amazing displays of God's power.
This week we're talking about Last Judgment. How do we process the end of the world? We also look at way God preserves Baby Moses in a basket on the Nile River.
This week we preview a lesson on Joseph being reunited with his brothers who had sold him into slavery decades earlier. We also look at Saints Triumphant worship, which we think is GREAT!
This week we celebrate Carrie's birthday, see how God was with Joseph even in prison, and preview Reformation worship!
This week we look at a somewhat strange Sunday School lesson about Jacob and his growing family. Then we preview worship this weekend, which is all about total dependence on God.
This week we preview the Pre-K-6 Sunday School lesson on Jacob and Esau. We also talk about our upcoming worship service which revolves around the importance of persistent prayer.
This week we preview our Pre-k through 6th grade Sunday School lesson, which is about Abraham sending a servant to find a wife for his son Isaac. We also talk through some of the readings for worship this weekend. The theme of that service will be: "Faith that Overflows with Gratitude."
In our first episode, we walk through the basics of this week's Sunday School Lesson: A Merciful Substitute. We also offer a preview of this Sunday's worship.