Mitchell Berean Church - Podcast

When hard times come in life, where do you run for comfort? Trials and seasons of sorrow are an inevitable part of living in a broken world. At any given moment, we are either coming out of a difficult season, walking through one, or heading toward one. In those moments, how we view God and respond to His truth will shape our faith and determine whether we truly lean on Him in times of trouble.

As we continue our time in Psalm 119, we see the psalmist facing enemies who plot against him and wrestling with his own weakness during a season of sorrow. Yet, in the midst of his lament and weariness, he turns to the Lord. With a heavy heart, what does he plead for? He asks for God’s Word to remain near to him and for his understanding of it to deepen. The psalmist knows that the words of God reveal the very character of God Himself. In times of trouble, Scripture becomes a source of comfort, strength, and hope that he can cling to.

He seeks to remember all that God has done and to understand what God is doing even now. Though chaos surrounds him, he trusts that God is in control. He knows that God is sovereign, and he holds fast to truth as an anchor in the rough seas of life.

So, whether you are currently walking through a hard season or will face one again in the future, remember this: God’s Word—and by extension, God Himself—is the anchor that holds us steady. He is near to the brokenhearted, faithful in every trial, and worthy of our trust.

Join us as we explore Psalm 119:17-40 this Sunday at either 8 or 11AM service.

- Pastor Brandon

For this week's Scripture and notes:

http://bible.com/events/49615476

Have you ever had a moment when you read an amazing book, listened to a masterfully composed song, or watched a movie that completely captivated your attention and kept you on the edge of your seat? When we encounter beautifully crafted works of art, we cannot help but be drawn into them and experience the range of emotions they evoke. Why is that? Why are we so captivated by certain lyrics or so engaged in the plot of a movie? It is because God has hardwired us that way!

We have been endowed with God-given emotions that long to connect with things that stir our hearts. Just as a piece of art reveals something about its creator, Scripture reveals something about our Creator. Scripture is the Word of God and therefore bears His character and nature. So, just as we might dive into a good book to understand the author's intentions, we are invited to dive into Scripture in a way that reveals God's intentions.

Scripture is not merely a book written by men; it carries the truth and teaching of who God is, who we are, and the greatest story ever told. It is a book whose depths can never be fully explored and whose applications to our lives are endless. It is a marvelous masterpiece, filled with artistic beauty that should leave every reader in awe of the God who inspired it.

Yet it is easy to grow dull or bored with such a long book. I would be lying if I said I don’t have days when reading Scripture feels more like a task than a joy. It is in those moments, when we pause and ask the Holy Spirit for help, that we begin to see once again the beauty of Scripture, the wisdom it contains, and the joy it can bring.

Join us this week as we begin our journey through Psalm 119. Together, we will not only discover the beauty of Scripture but also encounter the God who inspired it.

- Pastor Brandon

For this week's Scripture and notes:

http://bible.com/events/49615474

David Messed up. He messed up really bad! The story of David and Bathsheba is one of the really ugly episodes in the Old Testament. Just like David, the holes we dig for ourselves can seem too much to overcome. It’s easy to feel like we are beyond God’s reach. David was clearly at that point. He had worked extremely hard to cover sin after sin.

Psalm 51 is David’s response to this moment. It is his repentant and broken spirit before a holy and pure God. It is David asking for what none of us DESERVE or can ever hope to EARN. That is forgiveness and restoration from a perfect and holy God.

No matter what you’ve done or where you’ve been, God can heal and restore! In fact, he is ready and waiting! Come join us this Sunday as we dive in to Psalm 51 and study about God’s forgiveness and restoration.

- Brad Ronne

Key Verses - Psalm 51:10-12 (NIV) - Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

For this week's Scripture and notes:

http://bible.com/events/49611597

Jesus never hid the cost of following Him. When He called fishermen from the shores of Galilee, His invitation was more than “come believe in Me.” It was, “Follow Me, and I will send you out…” Following Jesus meant leaving comfort behind, stepping into the work of ministry, and learning to trust Him through pruning, sacrifice, rejection, and perseverance. The same invitation still stands today.

In a world where it’s easy to settle for comfortable Christianity, Jesus calls His people to something deeper—to remain in Him, bear much fruit, and join Him in His mission to seek and save the lost. The question is not simply whether we believe in Jesus, but whether we are truly following Him. And while the pruning can be painful, the life He produces through surrendered disciples is worth it.

Join us this weekend as we open God’s Word together and re-think what it really means to follow Jesus. Come be encouraged, challenged, and reminded not to lose heart in the process God is using to grow lasting fruit in your life.

-Pastor Ben

Key Verses: Matthew 9:37-38 (NIV) - Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

For this week's Scripture and notes:

http://bible.com/events/49597919

Discipleship is part of the DNA and heart of Mitchell Berean! It is deeply rooted in our history and remains one of the primary areas we feel called to emphasize as a church. While this is true of many healthy churches, when we look at the emphasis of Scripture, it becomes clear that discipleship is one of the central callings of the Christian life throughout the New Testament.

Yet even with this clear direction from Scripture, why do we sometimes struggle to live it out? It may be because of busyness, fear, uncertainty, or simply not knowing where to begin. Whatever the reason,

God’s Word not only gives us the command to disciple others, but also provides the wisdom, tools, and example we need to faithfully walk it out. We must resist the pull of a culture that keeps us consumed with things that only matter for the moment and instead fix our eyes on what will matter for eternity.

Join us at 8 AM or 11 AM as we dive into Paul’s encouragement to walk alongside and learn from those who are further along in the faith. Together, we will also look to Jesus—our ultimate example—and explore what it practically looks like to disciple those around us, including within our own families.

Excited to worship with you,

- Pastor Brandon

For this week's Scripture and notes:

http://bible.com/events/49597918

When most people hear the word “missions,” they immediately think about someone traveling overseas to reach unreached people groups with the gospel. While that is absolutely part of missions, the New Testament also shows us another side of it — a church that faithfully encourages, supports, prays for, and walks alongside those who have been sent out.

In Philippians 4, Paul rejoices because the church in Philippi refused to let him become “out of sight, out of mind.” They showed concern. They shared in his troubles. They supported him in his needs. Their worship of God overflowed into tangible care for those serving on mission.

This weekend in our Re-Think series, we’re going to examine what it means to rethink missions biblically. What if missions is not just about going, but also about faithfully sending, encouraging, supporting, and partnering by sharing the Gospel at home? Join us as we open God’s Word together and discover how every believer has a role in the mission of God.

- Pastor Ben

Key Verse - Philippians 4:10 (NIV) - "I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it."

For this week's Scripture and notes:

http://bible.com/events/49597917

In Ephesians 4:11–16, we see a picture of the Church growing into maturity, each part doing its work, built up in love. And in Ephesians 2:10, we’re reminded that we were created for good works that God prepared beforehand. Missions isn’t something we add on—it’s what naturally flows out when we are living as we were designed. The question is: are we functioning the way God intended? Are we sending out missionaries, and lovingly walking with them through prayer and support as they go? Do we do missions from a “It’s what churches do” mindset, or from a realization that missions isn’t just a thing to do?

Join us this weekend as we re-think missions through a biblical lens. Come ready to be challenged and encouraged as we hear from the head of our mobilization team, Travis Ray, and from one of our missionary couples, the McDaniels! It’s gonna be awesome!

- Pastor Ben

Key Verse: Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) - "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

For this week's Scripture and notes:

http://bible.com/events/49595418

Every day we’re being shaped—by voices, headlines, conversations, and experiences. Without realizing it, our perspective is constantly shifting, like a small boat caught in waves with no anchor. And what’s most concerning is how easy it has become—even for the church—to live this way. We feel the instability, the confusion, the pull of competing "truths"… but what if the problem isn’t the noise around us as much as the foundation beneath us?

This weekend, we’re opening up 2 Timothy 3 and stepping into a powerful reminder: God has not left us to figure this out on our own. His Word is not just ancient writing—it is living, active, and God-breathed. It doesn’t bend to culture; it stands above it. It doesn’t just inform our opinions; it transforms how we see everything. When Scripture becomes our filter, clarity begins to break through the chaos—and we start to stand firm in a world that feels anything but steady.

But here’s the tension we’ll wrestle with: Are we allowing God’s Word to truly be in charge, or are we subtly reshaping it to fit the world around us? There’s more at stake than we often realize. Join us as we rediscover what it means to be anchored in truth—and why our worldview matters.

- Pastor Ben

Key Verse - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) - "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

For this week's Scripture and notes:

http://bible.com/events/49591227

For 40 days after the resurrection, Jesus kept showing up. Again and again. To individuals, to groups… even to over 500 people at once. Some worshiped. Some doubted. All of them were trying to make sense of one overwhelming reality—Jesus is alive. But the story doesn’t end with an empty tomb… it leads to a throne.

This weekend, we’re leaning into a powerful truth: Jesus isn’t just the risen Savior—He is the Enthroned King. The One who was mocked with a crown of thorns now holds all authority in heaven and on earth. But if that’s true… what does it mean for us? What does it mean for you?

Before He ascended, Jesus gave a command, a promise, and a mission that is still unfolding today. The question is—are we just standing and looking up… or are we stepping into what He’s called us to?

Join us this weekend as we finish our series “Knowing Him”!

- Pastor Ben

Key Verse - Daniel 7:13-14 (NIV) - "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed."

For this week's Scripture and notes:

http://bible.com/events/49580751

This Easter weekend, we step into the tension of a story we all know—but often don’t fully feel. At Christmas, we celebrated “With Us”— Emmanuel! God drawing near in Jesus. But on Good Friday, everything shifts. In John 18–19, we walk through the betrayal, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus and see a wide range of responses: rejection, fear, indifference, and even quiet faith. What happens when the One who was with us is suddenly taken away? For three days, it seems like hope is gone—like everything is now without Him.

But the story doesn’t end there. In John 20, we encounter the resurrection—and once again, we see different responses: confusion, doubt, awe, and belief. The empty tomb forces a question each of us must answer: What will I do with the risen Jesus? Easter moves us from without to with Him, inviting us not just to observe the story, but to step into it personally by realizing the joy of our relationship with Jesus!

We’d love for you to join us for Easter as we explore these powerful moments together. And don’t come alone—this is the kind of weekend that people will come with you. Invite a friend, a neighbor, or a family member to experience the hope, the tension, and the joy of Jesus with you.

- Pastor Ben

Key Verse - John 20:29 (NIV) - Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Easter's Scripture and notes:

http://bible.com/events/49580738