In this episode of The Fairbanks Lutheran Podcast, Pastor Ollie Bergh proclaims the heart of Jesus’ words in Luke 12:32–40: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” In a world filled with fear—financial fears, political fears, even fears about not being “spiritual enough”—we’re reminded that God does not love us begrudgingly or conditionally, but freely and joyfully. From baptism to the Lord’s Supper, from the cross to the promise of Christ’s return, this message invites us to live without hoarding or hiding, but instead with the bold generosity, hope, and love of people who already belong to God’s kingdom.

This 6th Sunday after Pentecost, Pastor Ollie Bergh reflects on the familiar story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10 and the often-misunderstood debate between prayer and service. But what if the point isn’t choosing between being a “Mary” or a “Martha,” but rather recognizing the astonishing gift of Christ’s presence among us? Drawing from Colossians, Psalm 139, and the Prayer of the Day, we’re reminded that the fullness of God in Christ is not far off—but closer than we imagine. Even amid life’s distractions, the better part—sitting at Jesus’s feet—is still offered to us today. Tune in as we consider how to cultivate deeper awareness, hold our thoughts captive to Christ, and treasure his Word above all else.

What if being a good neighbor was more than just being nice? What if it was the very way we imitate God?

In this episode, Pastor Ollie Bergh invites us to take a long, honest look in the mirror as we hear again the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus doesn’t just answer the question, “Who is my neighbor?”—he redefines it entirely. This story isn’t just about what we should do. It’s about who God is: the First Neighbor, the One whose mercy finds us half-dead on the side of the road and carries us to healing.

In a world full of crisis—global, local, personal—Pastor Ollie challenges us to recognize a quieter, more urgent crisis: the crisis of lost neighborliness. Through rich theological reflection and grounded everyday examples, this sermon proclaims the good news that God is our neighbor—and invites us to become neighbors in turn.

🙌 If you're wondering what it really means to love your neighbor as yourself, or how to do a "God Thing" in a world that desperately needs mercy, this episode is for you.

Listen in. Be challenged. Be comforted. Be a neighbor.

In this Feast of Saints Peter and Paul sermon, Pastor Ollie invites us to consider a hard truth of Christian life: that the Church is not built on our preferences or personalities, but on the foundation of Christ crucified. Drawing from the lives of two apostles who disagreed profoundly yet remained united in mission, we reflect on what real unity in the Church looks like—not a sameness of opinion or temperament, but a deep fellowship grounded in the gospel and love for the poor. What if the people who rub us the wrong way are exactly whom Christ has sent to confirm our faith? What if the Church is at its holiest not when we all agree, but when we all kneel together at the foot of the cross?

A brief message on comfort we get through the service of Commendation of the Dying. We did a teaching service today where we walked through that service, and this is the message: that at our very end, Christ is ready to receive us, so we can faithfully go forth in his name.

In this episode, we reflect on Jesus’s Farewell Prayer from John 17—a deeply intimate and sometimes perplexing glimpse into the heart of Christ on the eve of his crucifixion. Through this prayer, we are reminded that Jesus is not only interceding for his first disciples but for us—those who have come to believe through their message. This sermon explores the radical unity Jesus desires for his followers, a unity grounded in the overflowing love of the Trinity. It challenges us to move beyond a consumerist approach to church and instead embrace a faith that is abundant, communal, and outward-looking—a love that interrupts, overflows, and draws all people into God’s divine embrace.

In this week's episode of The Fairbanks Lutheran Podcast, we dive into the Book of Acts—our companion every Easter season—and reflect on what the Resurrection truly means for the life of the Church.

We explore how the early Church wrestled with a living, active God who brings new life in unexpected places—often without our permission. This episode centers on the powerful phrase from Acts: “God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life.” But don't overthink "repentance"—it's not just about guilt or turning away from sin. Here, it's about conversion, transformation, resurrection. It's about receiving the very life of Christ.

We'll take a deeper look at:

• How the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is at work pouring divine life into our world.

• The surprising resistance of the Church to that life in others (yes, even us!).

• Why recognizing the Spirit in our neighbors invites us to set aside our distinctions and open our tables.

• How evangelical listening can help us see the Christ-life in people we might overlook.

• And the promise that you—yes, you—have been given new, risen, abundant life through Jesus.

Join us as we rediscover the radical promise of Acts 11 and the joy of a God who makes all things new.

In this sermon, Pastor Ollie Bergh reflects on how Christ keeps his promise: “My sheep hear my voice.” Through personal stories, Lutheran theology, and a surprising encounter with grace in a Minnesota basement, we’re reminded that the voice of Jesus still speaks — not just through preachers, but through ordinary people, scripture, and even suffering. If you've ever wondered whether God speaks to you, this message is for you.

In this episode of The Fairbanks Lutheran Podcast, we explore the powerful image of the Church as the unbroken net of the Apostles—capable of holding even the most unlikely catch. From the shores of the Sea of Tiberias to the dramatic conversion of St. Paul, we reflect on how Christ’s vision for the Church includes all people—enemies reconciled, sinners redeemed, and saints gathered into one Body. Drawing from Scripture, Revelation, and everyday church experience, this sermon reminds us that, though we may struggle within the net, it will not tear. By the grace of Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are part of a vast, unified Church—diverse, imperfect, and yet divinely held together in love.

In this Easter Vigil sermon titled Wikipedia and the Mystic Exodus, the Rev. Oliver Bergh invites listeners into the wild and wonderful world of biblical hyperlinks—drawing connections between Wikipedia rabbit holes, the story of the Exodus, and the resurrection of Jesus. With humor and theological depth, Pastor Ollie explores how typology helps us see the Old Testament not just as history, but as prophecy fulfilled in Christ. On this most holy night, we’re reminded that the Resurrection isn’t just a new chapter—it’s the New Exodus, freeing all creation from sin and death.