We continue on in the book of Esther where we find out that there is an executive order to kill all the Jews of Persia. Why? Because someone has an axe to grind and not because of any problems. What can learn from this? A lot.     The post Sermon: Esther 3- Fact Checking appeared first on Ben Bergren.

We begin looking at the story of Esther. There is much to learn in this story and many parallels to our 21st century life. We begin in the first two chapters of Esther where the character of Esther and King Xerxes are revealed. The post Sermon: Esther 1&2- Character Revealed appeared first on Ben Bergren.

The metamorphosis of Jesus on the mountain is shocking to the three disciples who witnessed it. However, there is a model for spiritual growth contained within the story. Listen and hear this story in a new way. The post Sermon: Transfiguration as a Model of Spiritual Growth appeared first on Ben Bergren.

We finish up looking at the Greatest Sermon Ever, the “Sermon on the Mount.” Jesus encourages those who hear these words to put them into practice. He likens it to building a house on a rock and not sand. I try to unpack what that actually means for us today. The post Sermon: Greatest Sermon Ever- Building a Life of Impact appeared first on Ben Bergren.

We continue on in the “Sermon on the Mount” and we hear a radical message of love… even the yucky people and “those people.” It is a challenge. The message is simple but the task is not easy. The post Sermon: Best Sermon Ever- Love the Yucky People appeared first on Ben Bergren.

We continue looking at Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Today: Salt & Light. There is a reason Jesus mentions these two metaphors after the Beatitudes. We are salt and we are light for today and for tomorrrow. The post Sermon: Best Sermon Ever- Salt & Light appeared first on Ben Bergren.

It has been an wild week in the United States and I turned back to scripture for grounding. I am reminded of what it means to follow Jesus and who curries divine favor from God. Curious? Listen in and find out.   The post Sermon: Best Sermon Ever–Being Blessed appeared first on Ben Bergren.

We all have had expectations that didn’t pan out. For me it was Sea Monkeys that I ordered out the back of a comic book. What happens when our expecatations of God differ from God’s actual agenda? I try to sort that out… The post Sermon: Unmet Expectations appeared first on Ben Bergren.

What does “My Fair Lady” and finishing school have to do with the plans of God? It all has to do with refinement. You will also hear what God wants to skim off of your life. It may not be what you think, The post Sermon: Refined appeared first on Ben Bergren.

I read a story to our children titled, “God Bless the Gargoyles.” I incoporated part of that story in the sermon. Who are the gargoyles in this world and how do we treat them?   The post Sermon: What to do with the Gargoyles appeared first on Ben Bergren.