PonderingGod

In this episode, Pastor Craig McCourt tackles the classic castaway question: if a boy lived—and died—alone on an island, could he be saved? We dive into Scripture to see that salvation is purely by God's grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ, not by our works. Along the way, Craig shares three remarkable real-life castaway stories—from Alexander Selkirk's four-year sojourn to José Salvador Alvarenga's 438-day drift and a British couple's survival experiment—to illustrate the power of trusting God when all else is lost.

Our "Big So What" reminds us that true assurance comes not from our moral accomplishments but from resting in Christ's finished work. And finally, Craig leaves you with one question to ponder today: Am I relying on my strength or on the Savior who never leaves His sheep?

(For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org Please share this podcast with a friend, and do us a favor by giving us a rating and review wherever you listen to this podcast! Get your very own PonderingGod Podcast sticker for your water bottle, or coffee cup, or laptop cover, or bathroom mirror... simply send your address to me through our comment page at www.ponderinggod.org To support the ministry of PonderingGod and help cover our online and production costs, visit our support page at www.ponderinggod.org/support. Thanks for listening!)

In this episode of The Pondering God Podcast, Pastor Craig McCourt draws rich spiritual lessons from the simple wonder of a campfire. Fresh off a Minnesota camping trip filled with friends, flames, and fire-colored magic, Craig offers three Scripture-rooted truths about fueling faith, being transformed by God's Word, and the unifying glow of the Gospel. Alongside humorous anecdotes, curious campfire facts, and a tasty shoutout to SPAM, he reminds us that even in smoke and s'mores, God is speaking. Tune in and get sparked.

(For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org Please share this podcast with a friend, and do us a favor by giving us a rating and review wherever you listen to this podcast! Get your very own PonderingGod Podcast sticker for your water bottle, or coffee cup, or laptop cover, or bathroom mirror... simply send your address to me through our comment page at www.ponderinggod.org To support the ministry of PonderingGod and help cover our online and production costs, visit our support page at www.ponderinggod.org/support. Thanks for listening!

ponderingGod Podcast - Message Monday - Featuring a message from Pastor Craig McCourt.

Today's Episode was recorded on Nov. 27, 2024 at Peace Lutheran Church in Arlington, MN Thanksgiving Eve Worship

(For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org

Please share this podcast with a friend , and do us a favor by giving us a rating and review wherever you listen to this podcast!

We would love to hear from you, leave us a comment right here.

Get your very own ponderingGod Podcast sticker for your water bottle, or coffee cup, or laptop cover, or bathroom mirror.... simply send your address to me through our comment page at www.ponderinggod.org

To support the ministry of PonderinGod and help cover our online and production costs, visit our support page)

In this episode, Pastor Craig McCourt reflects on National Cheer Up the Lonely Day through a confessional Lutheran lens. He explores biblical promises—Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 68:6, and Hebrews 13:5—and shares a vivid illustration of Christ as a bridge over loneliness. Pastor John Niebuhr joins for an interview on modern loneliness, the unique challenges pastors face, and practical church responses. Listeners are challenged to identify someone in their life who feels isolated and take a simple step toward genuine Christian community.

(For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org Please share this podcast with a friend, and do us a favor by giving us a rating and review wherever you listen to this podcast! Get your very own PonderingGod Podcast sticker for your water bottle, or coffee cup, or laptop cover, or bathroom mirror... simply send your address to me through our comment page at www.ponderinggod.org To support the ministry of PonderingGod and help cover our online and production costs, visit our support page at www.ponderinggod.org/support. Thanks for listening!)

In this episode of The Pondering God Podcast, Pastor Craig McCourt reflects on Jesus' simple yet powerful summary of God's law: Love God. Love Neighbor. With warmth, humor, and plenty of stories—including riding shotgun with chickens and pigs in Houston—Pastor Craig shows how this straightforward command can simplify and strengthen our spiritual walk. You'll gain three spiritual benefits of a love-focused life and be challenged to carry this truth into every corner of your day. Don't miss the donkey in the bathtub.

(For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org Please share this podcast with a friend, and do us a favor by giving us a rating and review wherever you listen to this podcast! Get your very own PonderingGod Podcast sticker for your water bottle, or coffee cup, or laptop cover, or bathroom mirror... simply send your address to me through our comment page at www.ponderinggod.org To support the ministry of PonderingGod and help cover our online and production costs, visit our support page at www.ponderinggod.org/support. Thanks for listening!)

In today's episode, Pastor Craig McCourt invites listeners into the rich truth of 1 John 3:1, exploring what it means to be a "Child of God." Through engaging stories, surprising royal facts, and Scriptural depth, Craig reflects on both the spiritual blessings and the holy expectations of this identity. Whether you're standing tall in faith or dragging your feet in doubt, this episode is a reminder: you are loved, you are called, and you are His.

For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org Please share this podcast with a friend, and do us a favor by giving us a rating and review wherever you listen to this podcast! Get your very own PonderingGod Podcast sticker for your water bottle, or coffee cup, or laptop cover, or bathroom mirror... simply send your address to me through our comment page at www.ponderinggod.org To support the ministry of PonderingGod and help cover our online and production costs, visit our support page at www.ponderinggod.org/support. Thanks for listening!

In this flavorful episode, Pastor Craig celebrates National Chocolate and Almonds Day by exploring great combinations—from your snack drawer to your soul. From biblical dynamic duos like Moses & Aaron and Paul & Barnabas to theological truths like repentance & forgiveness and water & the Word, we see how God weaves together powerful partnerships that point us to grace. With a touch of humor and hearty storytelling, this episode reminds us why some combinations are both eternal and essential.

(For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org Please share this podcast with a friend, and do us a favor by giving us a rating and review wherever you listen to this podcast! Get your very own PonderingGod Podcast sticker for your water bottle, or coffee cup, or laptop cover, or bathroom mirror... simply send your address to me through our comment page at www.ponderinggod.org To support the ministry of PonderingGod and help cover our online and production costs, visit our support page at www.ponderinggod.org/support. Thanks for listening!

ponderingGod Podcast - Message Monday - Featuring a message from Pastor Craig McCourt.

Today's Episode was recorded on June 29, 2025 at Peace Lutheran Church in Arlington, MN The third in a series of God's Outreageous Claims - How to Win the Rat Race, Without Becoming a Rat

(For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org

Please share this podcast with a friend , and do us a favor by giving us a rating and review wherever you listen to this podcast!

We would love to hear from you, leave us a comment right here.

Get your very own ponderingGod Podcast sticker for your water bottle, or coffee cup, or laptop cover, or bathroom mirror.... simply send your address to me through our comment page at www.ponderinggod.org

To support the ministry of PonderinGod and help cover our online and production costs, visit our support page)

On this Fourth of July episode, Pastor Craig dives into a timely reflection on freedom—not just political, but spiritual. With stories, Scripture, and even a few fireworks facts, this episode explores the paradox of being both independent from the world and dependent on a gracious God. It's a celebration of grace, liberty, and the One who gives them both.

(For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org Please share this podcast with a friend, and do us a favor by giving us a rating and review wherever you listen to this podcast! Get your very own PonderingGod Podcast sticker for your water bottle, or coffee cup, or laptop cover, or bathroom mirror... simply send your address to me through our comment page at www.ponderinggod.org To support the ministry of PonderingGod and help cover our online and production costs, visit our support page at www.ponderinggod.org/support. Thanks for listening!)

In this episode, Pastor Craig humorously imagines a "Grammarly for Theology"—a divine proofreader to catch our doctrinal typos. We explore two spiritual benefits of such a tool: guarding our confession (2 Timothy 4:2–3) and building healthy Christian community (Ephesians 4:15–16). Along the way, we unpack three surprising facts, from ancient word disputes to Luther's own editorial diligence. Finally, Craig offers a practical exercise: theological proofreading with your Bible and Small Catechism.

(For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org Please share this podcast with a friend, and do us a favor by giving us a rating and review wherever you listen to this podcast! Get your very own PonderingGod Podcast sticker for your water bottle, or coffee cup, or laptop cover, or bathroom mirror... simply send your address to me through our comment page at www.ponderinggod.org To support the ministry of PonderingGod and help cover our online and production costs, visit our support page at www.ponderinggod.org/support. Thanks for listening!)