The Holy Triduum continues with Good Friday. In this powerful and moving sermon, Healed by His Wounds, the Rev. Ollie Bergh invites us to contemplate the crucified Christ—not as a symbol of defeat, but as the very source of our healing and humanity. With humor, honesty, and deep theological reflection, Pastor Ollie explores what it truly means that “by his wounds we are healed,” drawing from Isaiah, John, and Hebrews to illuminate how Christ’s pierced side opens for us a new and living way into God’s presence. This is a message for the wounded, the weary, and those longing to be made whole by the One who suffered out of love.

Coming to us a little later, here is the sermon for April 9th, 2025--the Feast of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Lutheran pastor and martyr. Bonhoeffer, following the Lutheran tradition, encourages us always to hear the word of God, for that word is new. Pastor Ollie weaves us through Bonhoeffer, Luther, and the Holy Scriptures to show us how Christianity is listening--and that is a transformative, amazing thing.

In this Holy Week episode of The Fairbanks Lutheran Podcast, we begin the Passion of Christ with a profound meditation on the unbearable love of Jesus—a love that covers even the betrayal of Judas. Drawing from John 13, we explore how Christ’s glory is found not in triumph, but in suffering, forgiveness, and a divine love that is both clarifying and unsettling. As we wrestle with our own impulses for justice and judgment, this sermon calls us to consider a grace that forgives not only us, but even those we would never want forgiven. In the darkest hour, Jesus shines with the fire of God’s love—unrelenting, unshakable, and gloriously beyond our understanding.

As we enter the season of Lent, The Rev. Ollie Bergh reflects on the powerful words of the prophet Joel and the theme of a “Who Knows?” faith. In a time of crisis, Joel calls for fasting, repentance, and a return to God—not with certainty of an outcome, but with trust in God’s freedom and mercy.

In this sermon, we explore: 🔹 How the Day of the Lord turns our expectations upside down 🔹 The significance of fasting and repentance in a world of uncertainty 🔹 The profound mystery of faith—trusting in a God who is both free and full of love 🔹 How Jesus lengthens our joy by bringing us into this faith of trust and transformation

As the light lengthens and Lent begins, we are invited to walk with Christ, who melts the frost from our hearts and strengthens us in faith. Who knows what God might do next?

🙏 Join us in this Lenten journey of reflection, renewal, and hope.

🎧 Listen now on The Fairbanks Lutheran Podcast.

This week on The Fairbanks Lutheran Podcast, Rev. Ollie Bergh delivers a thought-provoking sermon titled Inauguration Day based on Luke 4:14-21. Drawing parallels between Jesus’ inaugural address in the synagogue and our modern understanding of God’s kingdom, Rev. Bergh reminds us that Christ’s kingdom comes not with fanfare but with the power of his Word.

Discover how Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah, inaugurates the Messianic age, and frees us from sin through the power of faith and the Holy Spirit. Even when the world around us feels unchanged, the promise of God’s kingdom—revealed in acts of grace, forgiveness, and love—transforms our hearts and lives.

Join us as we reflect on how Christ's words continue to shape our faith, build our community, and bring us closer to the promises of his kingdom.

Join us for a powerful and deeply mystical sermon on the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord. The Rev. Ollie Bergh delves into the thunderous voice of God that tore open the heavens to declare Christ as the Beloved Son. What does this divine proclamation mean for us today?

Discover how Christ’s baptism becomes a gift to us, uniting us with His Sonship and royal dignity through faith. Reflect on the sacred mystery of our union with Christ, which gives us the strength to face life’s crosses, knowing we are loved with the same infinite love God has for His Son.

This episode invites you to embrace the profound truth: "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you, I am well pleased."

Listen and be reminded of your sacred identity in the waters of baptism and the unfailing love of God.

On this First Sunday of Christmas, explore the story of the boy Jesus in the temple and the transformative power of learning and teaching with Pastor Ollie Bergh. Through his commitment to his Father’s work, even as a child, Jesus shows us how renewed minds and hearts lead to new life.

This episode delves into the hidden images of death and resurrection in the Gospel of Luke, the significance of being "lost and found," and the importance of lifelong learning in faith. As the church imitates Christ’s teaching, we are encouraged to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, discerning God’s will for us in every stage of life.

Christ continues his Father’s work in us, forgiving, guiding, and making all things new. Join us as we reflect on how his commandments and teachings shape us into people of hope and renewal.

Key Scripture: Romans 12:2, Luke 2:41-52

Begin this new year with hope and renewal in Christ, and may your journey of faith be enriched through his teaching and grace.

Join us for a moving Christmas Eve sermon delivered by The Rev. Ollie Bergh, where the Nativity story is beautifully intertwined with the parable of the prodigal son. Discover how the birth of Christ is not just an event from 2,000 years ago but a profound moment that reflects God's love for all humanity. Rev. Bergh explores how the incarnation is God running to us, reclaiming humanity through Jesus Christ, and offering new life through the promises of baptism.

In this episode, deepen your understanding of Christmas as a personal story of rebirth and renewal, where God's compassion transforms us into one body with Christ. Be inspired to find yourself in the Nativity scene, embraced by the love of the Almighty.

The Advent and Christmas seasons are often seen as times of joy, festivity, and celebration. Yet, for many of us, this time of year brings a mix of emotions: grief for loved ones who are no longer with us, sorrow for those far away, and the ache of life’s challenges.

In this Blue Christmas sermon, we reflect on the deeper meaning of the Incarnation—the birth of Christ as a sign of God entering into our humanity, sharing in our sufferings, and sanctifying our lives. Together, we explore the promises of baptism and the hope that, in Christ, all that is old and weary can be made new.

Join us for this heartfelt message of comfort and hope, where the long night of sorrow meets the dawn of new creation in the manger.

In this final sermon of our Advent series on The Great Litany, Rev. Ollie Bergh explores the profound connection between prayer and the sacraments. Could prayer itself be a sacrament? Through an insightful reflection on Romans 8 and the Agnus Dei, we uncover the transformative power of prayer as a divine gift that unites us with Jesus. This episode also celebrates the joy of new life in Christ as we witness the baptism of two new saints. Join us for this special message that calls us to feast on Christ’s gifts through baptism, communion, and prayer.