2023-02-26 Pastoring The Persecuted

2023-02-26 Pastoring The Persecuted
by Pastor Chris Berg
Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 5:1-4

1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness
of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory
that is going to be revealed:
2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight,
not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you;
not for shameful gain, but eagerly;
3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being
examples to the flock.
4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the
unfading crown of glory.

2023-02-19 Live Rejoicing

2023-02-19 Live Rejoicing
by Pastor Chris Berg

Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 4:12-19

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it 

comes upon you to test you, as though something strange 

were happening to you. 

13 But rejoice insofar as you share 

Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad 

when his glory is revealed. 

14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, 

because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 

15 But let none of you 

suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 

16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, 

but let him glorify God in that name. 

17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; 

and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for 

those who do not obey the gospel of God? 

18 And

“If the righteous is scarcely saved,

    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will 

entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

2023-02-12 Live in the Reality of Christ's Return

2023-02-12 Live in the Reality of Christ's Return
by Pastor Chris Berg
Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 4:7-11

7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled 
and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 
8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love 
covers a multitude of sins. 
9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, 
as good stewards of God's varied grace: 
11 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.

2023-02-05 Live in God's Will

2023-02-05 Live in God's Will

by Pastor Chris Berg

Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 4:1-6

"1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with 

the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh 

has ceased from sin, 

2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer 

for human passions but for the will of God. 

3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles 

want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, 

drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 

4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join 

them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 

5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the 

living and the dead. 

6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are 

dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they 

might live in the spirit the way God does."

2023-01-29 Understanding The Role Of The Pastor

2023-01-29 Understanding The Role Of The Pastor

by Dr. Nick Greco

Scripture Reference: Ephesians 4:11-12

"11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, 

and some as pastors and teachers, 

12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building 

up of the body of Christ;”

2023-01-22 Live in Righteous Suffering - Part 2

 
2023-01-22 Live in Righteous Suffering - Part 2
by Pastor Chris Berg

Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 3:18-22
13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?
14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 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,
16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will,
than for doing evil.

2023-01-15 Live in Righteous Suffering - Part 1

2023-01-15 Live in Righteous Suffering - Part 1
by Pastor Chris Berg

Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 3:17-21
17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.
18 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, 19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20 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. 21 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,