Reverberate: A Berean Bible Church Podcast | Knoxville, TN

Title: A Community of Grace
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Romans 15:1–7
We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (ESV)
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In “A Community of Grace,” Jed Gillis emphasizes the Christian obligation to extend grace and support within the body of Christ, as outlined in Romans 15:1–7. He highlights that those who are spiritually strong have a responsibility to bear the burdens of the weak, not out of self-interest, but for the edification of others. Using Christ as the ultimate example, Gillis shows that Jesus endured suffering for others, embodying selfless grace. He explains that God’s grace comes in many forms—encouragement, endurance, instruction—and calls believers to steward these gifts to foster unity, harmony, and worship within the church. This stewardship is not about repayment; rather, it’s an effect of being transformed by grace. As we receive God’s favor, we are to use it to uplift and serve one another, reflecting God’s glory and love.
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Berean Bible Church is a non-denominational church in East Knoxville, TN. We are grounded in the Word, celebrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Our community thrives on worship and mutual encouragement, fostering deep connections among members. Committed to our mission, we reach out with compassion and hope, reflecting God's glory throughout our city and beyond.
Learn more at berean.church.

Title: Stewards of Grace
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1 Peter 4:7–11
The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (ESV)
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In his sermon titled *Stewards of Grace* from 1 Peter 4:7–11, Jed Gillis emphasizes the urgent call for Christians to live purposefully in light of God's ultimate plan. Peter's reminder that "the end of all things is at hand" urges believers to be self-controlled, sober-minded, and focused on prayer. The passage stresses the importance of loving one another earnestly, showing hospitality without grumbling, and using spiritual gifts to serve one another, all in service to God's glory. 
Christians are compared to royal children journeying through a kingdom, constantly stalked by an enemy who seeks to deceive and distract them. Yet, through love, service, and prayer, believers protect each other from spiritual dangers and reflect the grace and power of God. The sermon encourages believers to remain vigilant, sober-minded, and to steward God's grace by glorifying Him through their actions, knowing that Satan's deceptions aim to divert them from their ultimate inheritance in Christ.
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Berean Bible Church is a non-denominational church in East Knoxville, TN. We are grounded in the Word, celebrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Our community thrives on worship and mutual encouragement, fostering deep connections among members. Committed to our mission, we reach out with compassion and hope, reflecting God's glory throughout our city and beyond.
Learn more at berean.church.

Title: Armed to Suffer

Psalm 62
To the choirmaster: according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.
For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from him comes my salvation.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.
How long will all of you attack a man
to batter him,
like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?
They only plan to thrust him down from his high position.
They take pleasure in falsehood.
They bless with their mouths,
but inwardly they curse. Selah
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah
Those of low estate are but a breath;
those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
they are together lighter than a breath.
Put no trust in extortion;
set no vain hopes on robbery;
if riches increase, set not your heart on them.
Once God has spoken;
twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.
For you will render to a man
according to his work.
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Psalm 123
To you I lift up my eyes,
O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
Behold, as the eyes of servants
look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maidservant
to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the LORD our God,
till he has mercy upon us.
Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us,
for we have had more than enough of contempt.
Our soul has had more than enough
of the scorn of those who are at ease,
of the contempt of the proud.
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George Waller reflects on the nature of suffering through the lens of Psalm 62 and Psalm 123. Drawing from his personal experience of a prolonged health crisis and near-death journey due to COVID-19, Waller explores deep questions surrounding suffering and God's role in it. He emphasizes that while enduring suffering in Christ, it’s crucial to ask what God is working within us through these trials. The sermon unfolds four essential lessons from suffering:
**Suffering Delivers You from Indifference and Lukewarmness**
Waller suggests that suffering awakens you from spiritual complacency. It drives you to seek God's voice more earnestly. In moments of pain, you're no longer passive; you actively pursue a deeper connection with God.
**Suffering Delivers You from the Ensnare of Sin**
Affliction brings hidden struggles to the surface. It exposes areas where you've relied on yourself rather than on God. Through suffering, you learn to depend on God's strength, breaking free from the entanglements of sin.
**Suffering Delivers You from Loving the World**
Hardship make you realize the world's insufficiency in providing true satisfaction. Suffering redirects your focus toward heavenly things, helping you understand that this world is not your ultimate home.
**Suffering Teaches You That Mercy Is Greater Than Deliverance**
While relief from pain is desirable, Waller emphasizes that experiencing God's mercy is even more valuable. Suffering can deepen your trust in God's love and timing, teaching you that His ways and His timing are perfect, even when they don't align with your own desires.
Ultimately, the sermon encourages you to settle in your heart that God is good and that He loves you. Trusting in His love becomes essential, especially in times of affliction. Through suffering, you're molded into the image of Christ, learning to rely on God's mercy above all.
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Berean Bible Church is a non-denominational church in East Knoxville, TN. We are grounded in the Word, celebrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Our community thrives on worship and mutual encouragement, fostering deep connections among members. Committed to our mission, we reach out with compassion and hope, reflecting God's glory throughout our city and beyond.
Learn more at berean.church.

Title: Q&A on I Peter 2
00:00 Introduction
Christ as the Cornerstone
02:08 How do we practically make sure Jesus is the cornerstone of the church? (Matthew 16)
07:23 I have heard Matthew 16 interpreted as the church being built on the apostles. Is that a wrong interpretation?
13:05 The Church vs. the Gates of Hell
14:57 What does it mean to be a “living stone” in the spiritual house God is building?
Passions of the Flesh
16:53 What are passions of the flesh?
22:35 How does avoiding passions guard your soul?
26:34 What about the world's systems of ethics?
Governments & Authorities
29:30 When the government contradicts God, what is our responsibility according to 1 Peter 2? Doesn’t this text encourage injustice and oppression?
33:55 How do we balance the call to live as free people with the command to submit to authority? What does true Christian freedom look like under governmental rule?
36:48 We’ve seen in history that disobedience has sometimes led to good. How should Christians respond to laws or regulations that promote injustice, and does civil disobedience play a role in the Christian life?
40:35 How do I discern when submission is healthy and when it might be harmful?
43:15 While Jesus did not threaten when he was mocked at the cross, he responded quite forcefully to the money changers in the temple. How do we know which response is appropriate when Jesus (or Christianity) is mocked in our culture?
46:45 How do we respond to wrong Christian authorities?
Conclusion
49:38 Closing
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In this Q&A podcast, Jason Harper and Pastor Jed Gillis from Berean Bible Church explore key themes of 1 Peter chapter 2. They explore significant topics such as Christ being the cornerstone of the church, the passions of the flesh, and how Christians should navigate their relationship with government and authorities. The discussion also touches on the importance of understanding the foundation of the church, the meaning of being a “living stone,” and the delicate balance between living in Christian freedom while submitting to authority.
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Berean Bible Church is a non-denominational church in East Knoxville, TN. We are grounded in the Word, celebrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Our community thrives on worship and mutual encouragement, fostering deep connections among members. Committed to our mission, we reach out with compassion and hope, reflecting God's glory throughout our city and beyond.
Learn more at berean.church.

Title: Brought Near to God
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1 Peter 3:18–22
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him. (ESV)
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In this sermon titled "Brought Near to God," Jed Gillis explores 1 Peter 3:18–22, addressing the complex and often perplexing statements within the passage. The central theme revolves around the suffering of Christ and its purpose: to bring the unrighteous to God. Gillis emphasizes that Jesus' suffering was not just exemplary but redemptive, accomplishing what no one else could—reconciliation with God. Peter draws parallels between Noah's ark and baptism, illustrating how both symbolize God's deliverance through judgment. Ultimately, the sermon reminds believers that despite suffering, they are secure in Christ, who reigns supreme over all powers and authorities, ensuring their protection and salvation.
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Berean Bible Church is a non-denominational church in East Knoxville, TN. We are grounded in the Word, celebrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Our community thrives on worship and mutual encouragement, fostering deep connections among members. Committed to our mission, we reach out with compassion and hope, reflecting God's glory throughout our city and beyond.
Learn more at berean.church.

Title: Unworried Worship
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1 Peter 3:13–17
Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. (ESV)
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In the sermon titled “Unworried Worship,” based on 1 Peter 3:13-17, Jed Gillis emphasizes the security and blessings that believers have in Christ, even in the face of suffering. Drawing parallels between Peter’s encouragement and the message God gave Isaiah, the sermon underscores that true worship and reverence for Christ as Lord dispel fear and turmoil, even when faced with opposition or suffering for righteousness. Peter reassures Christians that no one can ultimately harm them because their eternal blessings and present peace are secure in Christ, who has already won their inheritance through His death and resurrection. Thus, believers are called to honor Christ as holy in their hearts, making Him their greatest treasure, and to always be prepared to gently and respectfully explain the hope they have, even when suffering. This worship, rooted in the recognition of Christ’s sovereign lordship, transforms their fears and enables them to experience peace, joy, and comfort that the world cannot take away.
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Berean Bible Church is a non-denominational church in East Knoxville, TN. We are grounded in the Word, celebrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Our community thrives on worship and mutual encouragement, fostering deep connections among members. Committed to our mission, we reach out with compassion and hope, reflecting God's glory throughout our city and beyond.
Learn more at berean.church.

Title: Boundless Goodness
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1 Peter 3:8–12
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For
“Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;
let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (ESV)
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1 Peter 3:8-12 challenges the common belief that true enjoyment in life comes from doing whatever we please. This misconception, perpetuated by our sinful hearts and society, suggests that self-rule leads to a fulfilling life. Jed Gillis explains how this passage argues against this lie, emphasizing that God doesn't call Christians to a miserable existence for future rewards but offers abundant goodness now.
The text outlines how believers are to live with unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, tender hearts, and humility. Rather than repaying evil for evil or insult for insult, Christians are called to bless others. This approach aligns with God's promise of blessing those who pursue peace and righteousness.
Gillis explains that blessings are not earned by good deeds but are part of being God's people. He dissects the term "called," showing that it refers to being invited into a life marked by God's grace and joy despite suffering.
The sermon underscores the importance of living out these virtues now as a foretaste of heavenly blessings. By doing so, believers experience true joy and peace in their souls, regardless of external circumstances.
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Berean Bible Church is a non-denominational church in East Knoxville, TN. We are grounded in the Word, celebrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Our community thrives on worship and mutual encouragement, fostering deep connections among members. Committed to our mission, we reach out with compassion and hope, reflecting God's glory throughout our city and beyond.
Learn more at berean.church.

Title: Heirs of Life Part 2
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1 Peter 3:7
Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. (ESV)
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In his sermon titled "Heirs of Life Part 2," Jed Gillis delves into 1 Peter 3:7, emphasizing the responsibilities of husbands within the marriage relationship. Gillis highlights Peter's overarching pastoral approach, where Peter, as a shepherd, encourages believers to proclaim God's glory, guard their souls, and act with honor in various relational contexts, including marriage. The sermon focuses on how husbands should relate to their wives with understanding, honor, and care. Gillis explains that this involves knowing and valuing one's wife, recognizing her as a co-heir of God's grace, and treating her with respect, especially acknowledging physical differences without demeaning her. He warns that failing in these responsibilities can hinder a husband's prayer life, as it distorts his relationship with God. Ultimately, Gillis calls on husbands to reflect Christ's love in their marriages, demonstrating godly character in a world that often lacks enduring and honorable relationships.
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Berean Bible Church is a non-denominational church in East Knoxville, TN. We are grounded in the Word, celebrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Our community thrives on worship and mutual encouragement, fostering deep connections among members. Committed to our mission, we reach out with compassion and hope, reflecting God's glory throughout our city and beyond.
Learn more at berean.church.

Title: Q&A on I Peter 1
0:00 Introduction 
0:37 Purpose of the Podcast 
2:02 What Does It Look Like to Be Holy? 
6:11 Should Fear Be a Factor in Our Pursuit of Holiness? 
11:45 Do We Have a Part in Purifying Our Souls? 
18:00 What Are We Called to Obey? 
23:48 How Is the Word Living and Abiding? 
27:22 What Is an "Imperishable" Seed? 
30:48 How Does God Use Faith to Guard Us? 
35:01 What Happens If Our Faith Is Weak or Shaky? 
46:01 Taking Questions for I Peter 2
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In this engaging podcast, Jed Gillis and Jason Harper delve into the depths of 1 Peter chapter 1, exploring its themes and practical applications. The discussion covers four main areas: holiness, obedience, the Word, and faith.
Jed emphasizes that holiness involves a heart attitude aligned with God's values—loving what He loves and hating what He hates—rather than merely avoiding bad actions or performing good deeds. Fear, when properly understood, can drive us toward true holiness by making us wary of anything that detracts from our relationship with God. 
Regarding soul purification, Jed highlights that while God's power is essential, our role involves obedient faith in His truth. Obedience is not about legalistic adherence to rules but living out the transformative truth of the Gospel. The living and abiding nature of God's word is also discussed, emphasizing its continuous impact on believers' lives.
The conversation concludes with reflections on faith's role in guarding believers and how even weak or shaky faith is sustained by God's power. Through these insights, listeners are encouraged to engage deeply with Scripture and seek a heart transformed by God's word.
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Berean Bible Church is a non-denominational church in East Knoxville, TN. We are grounded in the Word, celebrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Our community thrives on worship and mutual encouragement, fostering deep connections among members. Committed to our mission, we reach out with compassion and hope, reflecting God's glory throughout our city and beyond.
Learn more at berean.church.