Reverberate: A Berean Bible Church Podcast | Knoxville, TN

Title: Extravagant Mercies
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John 10:22–42
At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me, but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.” Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’? If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken—do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” Again they sought to arrest him, but he escaped from their hands.
He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing at first, and there he remained. And many came to him. And they said, “John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.” And many believed in him there. (ESV)
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In Jed Gillis' sermon, "Extravagant Mercies," the message revolves around Jesus' identity and mission as depicted in John 10:22-42. Jesus, at the Feast of Dedication, faces skepticism from Jews who demand a clear declaration of His Messiahship. Jesus responds that His works and words already testify to His divine nature, but their unbelief stems from not being His sheep. He assures that His sheep hear His voice, follow Him, and receive eternal life, secure in the Father's hand. Despite accusations of blasphemy and imminent threats of stoning, Jesus emphasizes His unity with the Father. He points to Scripture and His miraculous works as evidence of His divine mission. Through this passage, Gillis highlights Jesus' mercy even toward those who oppose Him, urging believers to recognize and respond to Jesus' call with faith and worship.
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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: Missions Emphasis
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Genesis 12:1–3
Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (ESV)
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Steve Kim draws on Genesis 12:1-3 to highlight the profound significance of God's call to Abram and its implications for missions today. He emphasizes two key phrases from the passage: "Go from your country" and "You will be a blessing." Kim explains that God's command to "go" is not merely a directive to physically move but an invitation to a deeper spiritual journey. It involves leaving behind personal comfort zones and past securities, enabling individuals to truly find their essence and align with God's vision.
Kim also underscores the transformative power of becoming a blessing. By obeying God's call, believers not only experience personal blessings but also become conduits of God's grace to others. The narrative of Abram serves as a foundational example, illustrating how stepping out in faith can lead to blessings that extend beyond individual lives to impact entire communities and nations.
Drawing from his own extensive missionary experience in East Asia, Kim shares real-life testimonies of how these biblical principles manifest in the mission field. He recounts stories of cultural immersion, language learning, and spiritual breakthroughs among unreached people groups. Through these experiences, he demonstrates that mission work is a collaborative effort deeply rooted in prayer, humility, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
Ultimately, Kim's message calls believers to embrace their role as modern-day Abrahams—venturing into unknown territories, both physical and spiritual, to become blessings that reflect God’s glory and advance His kingdom.
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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: Psalm 96
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Psalm 96
Oh sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth!
Sing to the LORD, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;
he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts!
Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth!
Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.”
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
before the LORD, for he comes,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness,
and the peoples in his faithfulness. (ESV)
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In his sermon on Psalm 96, Jed Gillis explores the call to worship and declare God's glory. The psalm encourages believers to sing a new song to the Lord, emphasizing that worship should be a daily act of proclaiming God's salvation and marvelous works. Gillis stresses that acknowledging God’s greatness is not just an internal act but a public declaration among all nations. He draws a clear distinction between the true God who created the heavens and the worthless idols worshipped by others.
Gillis highlights several key themes in the psalm: God's splendor, majesty, strength, and beauty. He notes that where God dwells, these attributes are overwhelmingly present. The sermon also addresses the idea of ascribing glory due to God's name, calling for worship that recognizes His holiness and justice. This involves not only personal reverence but also inviting others to join in glorifying God.
Furthermore, Gillis underscores the importance of joy in worship. Singing to the Lord with exuberance reflects both individual and communal strength. This joy persists even through sorrow, aligning with Paul's concept of being "sorrowful yet always rejoicing." Ultimately, Gillis calls for believers to live out their faith by declaring God's worth across all cultures and contexts, ensuring that His glory is recognized universally.
Psalm 96 serves as a powerful reminder to worship God with joy and declare His glory among all people. It challenges believers to make their praise public, recognizing God's unmatched worth and inviting others into this joyous acknowledgment.
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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: Luke 11:1–13
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Luke 11:1–13
Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” And he said to them, “When you pray, say:
“Father, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread,
and forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation.”
And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (ESV)
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In Luke 11:1-13, Jed Gillis' sermon delves into Jesus' teachings on prayer, emphasizing that the essence of prayer is not about learning methods or gaining knowledge, but actively engaging in communication with God. The sermon explores the Lord's Prayer, highlighting that each request—honoring God's name, asking for His kingdom to come, seeking daily provision, requesting forgiveness, and asking for guidance away from temptation—is rooted in biblical promises. Gillis underscores that these requests are meant to align believers' prayers with God's will and character. Furthermore, he illustrates through Jesus' parable of the persistent friend that believers should approach God with unashamed persistence, trusting in His goodness. The sermon also contrasts human fathers with the Heavenly Father to show that God's responses are always good and wise, even when they do not align with our immediate desires. Ultimately, Gillis encourages believers to let God's goodness shape their prayers by focusing on His promises and trusting Him completely.
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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: Proverbs 3:1–10
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Proverbs 3:1–10
My son, do not forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commandments,
for length of days and years of life
and peace they will add to you.
Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
bind them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
So you will find favor and good success
in the sight of God and man.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones.
Honor the LORD with your wealth
and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
then your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your vats will be bursting with wine. (ESV)
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Jon Farra explores the profound wisdom embedded in Proverbs 3:1–10, emphasizing the importance of internalizing God's teachings. The passage begins with a fatherly admonition to remember God's commandments and promises a life enriched with peace and longevity for those who do. Jon underscores the necessity of steadfast love and faithfulness, urging believers to bind these virtues closely to their hearts.
Trusting in the Lord entirely, rather than relying on personal understanding, is highlighted as a key principle. Jon points out that acknowledging God in every aspect of life ensures that He will guide one's path straight. A caution against self-perceived wisdom aligns with a call to revere God and shun evil, which brings healing and refreshment to one’s being.
Jon further elaborates on honoring God with our resources, advocating for offering the first fruits as an act of faith and gratitude. This practice promises divine provision and abundance. Through these verses, Jon reminds listeners of the integral connection between trust in God and experiencing His blessings, encouraging them to live lives marked by devotion, integrity, and generosity.
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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: Luke 10:25–37
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Luke 10:25–37
And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”
But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.” (ESV)
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In his sermon on Luke 10:25–37, Jed Gillis explores the parable of the Good Samaritan to highlight the tension between exclusivity and inclusivity in Christianity. The narrative begins with a lawyer questioning Jesus about inheriting eternal life. Jesus responds by affirming the lawyer’s summary of the law: to love God entirely and to love one's neighbor as oneself. Seeking to justify himself, the lawyer asks, "Who is my neighbor?" 
Jesus tells a parable where a man is attacked by robbers and ignored by both a priest and a Levite. However, a Samaritan—considered an outsider—shows compassion, tending to the man's wounds and ensuring his care at an inn. Through this parable, Jesus illustrates that genuine love transcends social boundaries and religious duties.
Gillis emphasizes that Christianity demands both exclusive devotion to Christ and inclusive compassion towards others. This duality reflects our need to forget past failures while remembering God's grace. The Good Samaritan's actions exemplify true neighborly love driven by compassion rather than obligation.
The sermon challenges believers to evaluate their own lives for genuine compassion, reflecting Christ's love through practical and heartfelt actions toward those in need, regardless of their background or beliefs.
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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: Essential Community
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Ephesians 4:11–16
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (ESV)
Hebrews 3:12–13
Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. (ESV)
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In his sermon titled "Essential Community," Jed Gillis examines the vital role of community in the spiritual growth and protection of believers. Drawing from Ephesians 4:11-16 and Hebrews 3:12-13, he emphasizes that God has given apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers to equip the saints for ministry, building up the body of Christ. This communal effort is not only about attaining unity in faith but also maturing into the fullness of Christ.
Gillis compares spiritual relationships to medical treatments or nutrition necessary for a child’s growth and protection from illness. Just as we use these means to ensure physical health, we need spiritual relationships for our maturity and safeguarding against doctrinal confusion and deceitful schemes. He points out that every believer needs this form of community interaction—it's not optional but essential for growth.
The passage from Hebrews underscores the need for daily exhortation among believers to prevent hearts from hardening due to sin's deceitfulness. Gillis calls this mutual encouragement a “vaccine” against falling away from God. This exhortation involves both promises and warnings, reminding each other that Jesus is better than anything else.
He clarifies that such community isn't merely friendship or occasional spiritual conversation but a consistent commitment to speaking truth in love. These interactions should span across different stages of life and circumstances, fostering a supportive environment where even flawed individuals can help one another grow.
Ultimately, Gillis urges believers to take their responsibility seriously in nurturing and protecting each other within the church community. By doing so, they reflect God's wisdom and strength through their collective weaknesses, always pointing back to Christ as the foundation of their faith and encouragement.
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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: Crave The Word
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1 Peter 1:22–25
Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for
“All flesh is like grass
and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
and the flower falls,
but the word of the Lord remains forever.”
And this word is the good news that was preached to you.
So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. (ESV)
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In his sermon titled "Crave The Word," Jed Gillis delves into the transformative power of Scripture as outlined in 1 Peter 1:22–25 and 2:1–3. He begins by emphasizing the foundational role of the gospel and the Word in forming a Christ-centered community. According to Gillis, believers are called to love one another earnestly from a pure heart, a love that springs from being born again through the imperishable seed of God's enduring Word.
Gillis likens the Word to an imperishable seed that endlessly produces fruit, underscoring its timeless value. Drawing on agricultural metaphors, he explains how this seed is unlike any other; it constantly bears spiritual fruit and never perishes. This continuous renewal is crucial for believers, who are born again with new desires and loves that transcend worldly pursuits.
Transitioning to 1 Peter 2:1–3, Gillis highlights the necessity of putting away malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander to foster genuine brotherly love. He then uses the vivid imagery of newborn infants craving pure spiritual milk to illustrate how believers should hunger for God's Word with necessity, intensity, and delight. This longing for Scripture is not just for information or transformation but ultimately to know and love God more deeply.
Gillis stresses that true Christians will naturally crave God's Word if they have truly "tasted that the Lord is good." This craving is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. He concludes by encouraging believers to pray for a deeper desire for Scripture, read it diligently, and engage with fellow believers to foster mutual encouragement in their walk with God.
Through this sermon, Gillis calls believers to center their lives around God's enduring Word, which continually nourishes and transforms them into mature followers of 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: Rooted in the Gospel
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1 Peter 1:3–5
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (ESV)
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In his sermon "Rooted in the Gospel," Jed Gillis explores 1 Peter 1:3-5, emphasizing the transformative power of the Gospel and its central place in the life of believers. Gillis highlights that through God's immense mercy, we are born again to a living hope by Jesus Christ's resurrection. This new birth grants us an imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance kept in heaven.
Gillis underscores that this salvation is not earned but given by grace, firmly rooted in the Gospel. He delves into how this truth should create humble, open, confident, and forgiving worshippers. The message challenges believers to reflect on their lives and ensure they live out these Gospel truths daily.
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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: Work Hard, Sleep Well
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Psalm 127
A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.
Unless the LORD builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one’s youth.
Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. (ESV)
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Jed Gillis's sermon, "Work Hard, Sleep Well," centers on the message of Psalm 127. He emphasizes that all human efforts are ultimately futile without God's involvement. Whether building a house or watching over a city, if God is not at the center, our labor is in vain. This principle extends beyond physical tasks to every aspect of our lives, including personal goals and family endeavors. Gillis underscores the importance of recognizing our dependence on God for success and fulfillment. As we strive to achieve, we must also rest in God's provision and trust that He works even when we sleep. The sermon calls believers to work diligently but also to rest confidently in God's sovereignty and goodness, ensuring that their ultimate aim is to glorify Christ in all they do.
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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.