Church At Bergen - Sermons podcast

49:33

Pastor Peter Ochoa emphasizes the importance of truly listening to the Word of God by exploring the parable of the Sower from Mark chapter four. He highlights four types of soil representing different responses to the Gospel: the hardened path represents those who are unresponsive to God's message, the rocky soil illustrates those with temporary faith who falter in trials, and the thorny soil describes those distracted by worldly cares, leading to unfruitfulness. Only the good soil, which hears and accepts the Word, produces a fruitful life, demonstrating that genuine acceptance of Jesus leads to transformation and growth in faith. Pastor Peter urges the congregation to engage deeply with God's Word and remain receptive to His voice in their lives. churchatbergen.org…

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Grace & Good Works 36:36

13 days ago36:36

36:36

Pastor McKinney concludes our series in Titus, emphasizing the significance of good works in the Christian life as a response to salvation rather than a means to achieve it. He outlines four key truths: good works result from being saved, should define a disciple's life, can be hindered by distractions, and require the church's collective contribution. Pastor McKinney warns against getting sidetracked by unimportant disputes within the church that detract from its mission. He encourages us to reflect on these truths and to embrace a life devoted to serving others in obedience to God. churchatbergen.org…

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Motivated By Grace 43:31

20 days ago43:31

43:31

Pastor McKinney emphasizes that the Gospel is not only about achieving eternal life but also about shaping how we live our lives today. In his sermon, he points out that while many may agree doctrinally with kindness and respect towards others, the real challenge lies in the motivation to act this way, especially in difficult circumstances. He discusses how the transformational power of God’s grace should motivate us to show unconditional kindness to everyone, reflecting on our own need for mercy. We are reminded that our ability to treat others well stems from recognizing how God has treated us through Jesus, urging believers to embody that grace in their interactions. churchatbergen.org…

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Gospel Blueprint For Life - Week 5 43:46

27 days ago43:46

43:46

In this sermon, Pastor Mike discusses Paul's letter to Titus, emphasizing the importance of living a life shaped by the Gospel while navigating the challenges of work. He highlights how a Christian’s attitude in the workplace (specifically being submissive, well-pleasing, and trustworthy) can effectively reflect the worth of Jesus and attract others to Him. The notion of adorning the doctrine of God through our actions underscores the idea that our behavior in the workplace can either draw people to or push them away from the faith. Pastor Mike urges believers to remember that their work is a representation of their faith and an opportunity to showcase the beauty of the Gospel. churchatbergen.org…

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Gospel Blueprint For Life - Week 4 48:35

5 weeks ago48:35

48:35

In his sermon, McKinney emphasizes the importance of self-control for young men, rooted in the teachings of Paul in Titus. He highlights that self-control is not just a matter of discipline, but a reflection of a man's relationship with God and how the gospel shapes his life. Pastor McKinney urges young men to grapple with their sinful desires seriously, viewing them as threats that can destroy lives and relationships. Ultimately, he reassures them that in Christ, there is no condemnation, encouraging a transformative relationship that empowers them to overcome lust and live with purpose and integrity. churchatbergen.org…

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Gospel Blueprint For Life - Week 3 52:12

6 weeks ago52:12

52:12

Pastor McKinney discusses the critical role of healthy individuals in building strong churches, as outlined in Paul's letter to Titus. He emphasizes that while culture may push contrary views, the biblical design for women is to love their husbands and children, maintain purity, and foster self-control, which aligns with The Gospel's teachings. Pastor McKinney encourages younger women in the church to seek mentorship from older women, while highlighting the importance of submission as a reflection of trust in God's design. Ultimately, he calls for believers to recognize that God's commands stem from His love and grace, aiming to bring glory to Him through their lives. churchatbergen.org…

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Gospel Blueprint For Life - Week 2 40:05

7 weeks ago40:05

40:05

In this sermon, Pastor McKinney delves into the teachings from the Book of Titus, focusing on the gospel as a transformative blueprint for life. He emphasizes the importance of older men and women embodying godly characteristics like sober-mindedness, dignity, and self-control, aiming to set a Godly example within the church community. By reflecting on their own behaviors and attitudes, he encourages the older generation (50ish plus) to confront subtle flaws and tendencies and offers guidance on how to teach and mentor younger individuals in the faith. Ultimately, Pastor Mike highlights that the gospel not only saves but constantly trains believers to grow in Christlikeness through self-awareness and reliance on God's grace. churchatbergen.org…

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Gospel Blueprint For Life - Week 1 44:23

8 weeks ago44:23

44:23

In this sermon, Pastor McKinney revisits the Book of Titus, focusing on how the Gospel serves as a blueprint for life. He shares the background of Titus, explaining that Paul wrote this letter to guide him in establishing a strong church on the island of Crete, amidst a culture that contradicted the message of Jesus Christ. Pastor Mike emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine and urges the church to embody the transformative power of the Gospel in their lives. He introduces a mini-series titled "Gospel Blueprint for Life," where he aims to illustrate how the key message of Christianity can shape every stage and aspect of life. Pastor McKinney highlights that receiving grace through Jesus is not merely about changing behaviors but entails a profound transformation of identity. The Gospel empowers believers to reject ungodliness and worldly desires, instilling in them a new direction in life. He draws attention to the concept that grace is not a substance but a relationship with Jesus, who calls individuals to live authentically for Him. The metaphor of swimming against cultural currents illustrates the challenges of living a life reflective of Gospel values. Pastor Mike concludes with a call to recognize that true fulfillment and happiness come from a life surrendered to Jesus, reminding attendees of the hope found in His promises and the grace bestowed upon them. churchatbergen.org…

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Doubt 39:40

10 weeks ago39:40

39:40

In the final sermon of our Advent series, "Hope", Pastor McKinney discusses how we typically respond to bad news, focusing on the progression from fear and detachment to doubt and ultimately despair. He emphasizes that doubt is a natural part of faith, but this doubt must remain in the passenger seat and faith must stay in the driver's seat. Pastor McKinney presents three truths: recognizing our fragility as "jars of clay" carrying the incredible treasure of the gospel, understanding our purpose to display God's glory, and accepting the reality of life's hardships as part of the Christian journey. Ultimately, he reassures that embracing these truths can lead to a deeper faith that withstands doubts and hardships while using those experiences to help others find hope in Jesus. churchatbergen.org…

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Numbing 44:17

11 weeks ago44:17

44:17

In this sermon, Pastor Mike discusses the theme of hope during the Advent season, focusing on our human responses to bad news, such as fear, hiding, and numbing ourselves. He emphasizes that the pain we experience is a natural part of life and that while it's tempting to seek quick relief, numbing prevents us from experiencing the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Mike likens our collective groaning to the pains of childbirth, underscoring that those struggles are not pointless but ultimately lead to deeper intimacy with God and future redemption. He encourages both believers and non-believers to confront their pain and allow the Holy Spirit to work within them for genuine healing and growth. churchatbergen.org…

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Hiding 36:46

12 weeks ago36:46

36:46

Pastor Mike discusses the Advent season as a time to reflect on the significance of Christ’s coming amid the world's suffering and pain. He emphasizes that the brokenness of life should not be ignored but acknowledged, as it reveals the need for salvation and cultivates a longing for future glory. Using Romans 8, Pastor Mike contrasts current sufferings with the glory to come, highlighting that understanding this suffering deepens our appreciation for Christ's sacrifice. Ultimately, he encourages those who trust in Christ to confront pain and suffering without insulation, recognizing that it points to our need for redemption through Jesus. churchatbergen.org…

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Fear & Anxiety 44:08

13 weeks ago44:08

44:08

Pastor Mike McKinney emphasizes that Advent is a time to reflect on the hope brought by the arrival of Jesus Christ, particularly in the face of bad news that we often encounter. He uses Psalm 112 to underscore that the righteous, who trust in the Lord, will not be shaken by life’s uncertainties and challenges, but will remain steady and unafraid. Bad news is inevitable, but the true strength lies in remaining anchored in faith, knowing God's goodness, wisdom, love, grace, and faithfulness. We are encouraged to lean into God's faithfulness, assured that with God deliverance and victory are guaranteed. churchatbergen.org…

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Silencing Falsehood, Living the Truth 41:18

14 weeks ago41:18

41:18

Associate Minister Dave Levesque Jr emphasizes the need to confront false teachings within the church, comparing it to addressing a medical infection that can threaten the health of a congregation. He outlines characteristics of false teachers, such as distorters of the gospel, whose teachings can lead to spiritual decay and unhealthy families. He highlights that true purity comes from Christ, not performance, and that genuine faith leads to transformative actions reflecting God's grace. He calls the church family to be vigilant against deception, ensuring their lives align with their profession of faith, and to actively engage in good works empowered by the gospel. churchatbergen.org…

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Titus 1:5-9 38:26

15 weeks ago38:26

38:26

Pastor McKinney emphasizes the importance of men stepping up and raising up other men as spiritual leaders, based on teachings from Titus 1:5-9 . He discusses the qualifications for elders / pastors, highlighting the need for integrity in their relationships with family, themselves, and the Word of God. Pastor Mike calls for men to courageously take on responsibilities and to be examples of godly living, while also encouraging them to support one another in their spiritual journeys. Ultimately, he reminds all men of their need for Jesus, who empowers them to fulfill their roles as leaders in both the church and their homes. churchatbergen.org…

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Man Up 21:07

16 weeks ago21:07