In this episode of The Fairbanks Lutheran Podcast, The Rev. Ollie Bergh unpacks the profound meaning of baptism through the lens of Luke 3:7-18. Drawing on the ministry of St. John the Baptist and the promises of Christ, this sermon explores what it means to be “born again” in Christian baptism.

Rev. Bergh highlights how Christian baptism, unlike John’s baptism of repentance, is not about our actions but about God’s promises—promises that hold true regardless of our beliefs, feelings, or changing circumstances. Through faith, we return to our baptism time and time again, experiencing the Holy Spirit’s renewing work in our lives.

With insights from scripture, reflections on justification by faith, and a firm rejection of rebaptism, this sermon invites listeners to rest in the unshakable promise of God: one baptism, one Spirit, and one saving work in Jesus Christ.

Key Themes:

• The difference between John’s baptism and Christian baptism
• Justification by faith and God’s promises
• Why rebaptism is unnecessary and contrary to scripture
• The ongoing power of baptism in the Christian life

Scripture Focus: Luke 3:7-18; Ephesians 4:4-6; Acts 19:1-6

Tune in to be reminded that through the waters of baptism and the work of the Holy Spirit, you are born again—and again, and again—through God’s unchanging grace.

What do the prayers of a congregation reveal about its heart? In this midweek episode of The Fairbanks Lutheran Podcast, The Rev. Ollie Bergh unpacks the significance of the Prayers of Intercession, rooted in the wisdom of the Great Litany. Reflecting on 1 Peter 2:9, we explore our role as a royal priesthood called to pray not just for ourselves, but for the entire world.

Rev. Bergh delves into the challenges of praying for unity in the church, the humility required to approach God’s grace, and the courage it takes to intercede for those we disagree with—even our enemies. With rich storytelling and theological depth, this sermon challenges us to embody Christlike love through prayer and reconciliation.

Join us for an inspiring message that calls us to lift up the world, grounded in grace and the promises of God.

In this week's episode of The Fairbanks Lutheran Podcast, Rev. Ollie Bergh explores the transformative connection between repentance and baptism. Reflecting on the Advent season, he examines the role of John the Forerunner, often called “John the Baptist,” and unpacks the differences between John’s baptism of repentance and Christian baptism. Through Scripture, the writings of Martin Luther, and personal insight, Rev. Bergh illustrates how repentance prepares the way for Christ, clears the paths of our lives, and calls us to return daily to the promises of baptism.

Join us as we dive into how Advent invites us to embrace repentance, not as an act of shame, but as a joyful return to the unbreakable bond we share with Christ through baptism.

In this midweek episode of The Fairbanks Lutheran Podcast, we explore the beauty and power of the Great Litany, a profound prayer steeped in history and faith. Drawing from 1 Timothy 2:1-4, Pastor Ollie Bergh introduces us to this "second greatest prayer ever written" and unpacks its relevance for our modern world.

Learn about the origins of the Litany, its reform by Martin Luther, and its ability to teach us how to pray in a way that reflects the fullness of God's grace. From petitions for peace and deliverance to the rich obsecrations rooted in the life of Jesus, this prayer leads us into a deeper relationship with God.

Whether you're new to the Litany or looking to renew your prayer life, this episode offers insights into how this timeless prayer connects us to the living God and equips us for the challenges of today.

Tune in and be inspired to pray with boldness and confidence, assured that through Christ, our prayers are heard.

In this episode of The Fairbanks Lutheran Podcast, we reflect on the eternal promises of baptism and the hope found in Christ’s return. Based on Luke 21:25-33, Rev. Ollie Bergh explores how the last judgment isn’t something to fear but a promise to embrace. With insights into faith, baptism, and the enduring power of Christ’s words, this sermon reminds us to live with one eye on the advent of Christ and one on the grace poured out in the waters of baptism. Tune in for a message of hope, faith, and joyful anticipation this Advent season.

We've come to the penultimate sermon in our series on James: The Five Steps to Being Kinda Like Jesus. Here, we learn how impossibly hard it is to Desire God and the demands that puts on us. Hear how there is still grace in the wisdom from above!

The Five Steps to being Kinda Like Jesus continues with Step Three: Respect your tongue like a moose in the woods. Moose are dangerous but beautiful--our words can be, too. Jesus was wise with his words, so should we. Our study of the gospel of James continues in this 5 part sermon series!

We continue in our sermon series on James with Part 2 of the 5 Steps to Being Kinda Like Jesus: Live Like Mercy is Real (Because it Is!) Mercy triumphs over judgement, and that's how Jesus lived his life.

We start a new sermon series: 5 Steps to Being Kinda Like Jesus. In this series, we dive into the Letter of James to learn ways that we can emulate our Lord Jesus, sharing in James's profound wisdom. It all begins with the word God puts in us--everything flows from that.

We conclude the Bread of Life Discourse with the great promise of Jesus: we have life because of him.