2026-08-09 Jesus, Son of Man

2026-08-09 Jesus, Son of Man
by Pastor Chris Berg
Scripture Reference: Mark 9:9-13

And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had seen, 
until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, 
questioning what this rising from the dead might mean. 
And they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?”
And he said to them, “Elijah does come first to restore all things. 
And how is it written of the Son of Man that he should suffer many things a
and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come, 
and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him.”
 
Notes, outline and a summary from this sermon are made by Pocket AI and found here:
This sermon explores the theological significance of the title "Son of Man," centering on Mark 9:9–13. The discussion examines why Jesus favored this specific designation and how it encapsulates his dual nature as both fully human and fully divine.

The Context of the Title
Following the Transfiguration, Jesus charged Peter, James, and John to remain silent about what they had seen until the "Son of Man" had risen from the dead.

Intentionality: Jesus specifically chose this title over the first-person "I" to emphasize a specific prophetic identity.
Qualification of Witness: The disciples were not yet qualified to testify about the Transfiguration because they could not comprehend Christ’s glory without the context of his resurrection.
The Elijah Connection: Jesus clarifies that John the Baptist fulfilled the prophecy of Elijah’s return. Just as John suffered and was rejected, the Son of Man was destined for the same path—a reality the disciples were hesitant to accept.
The Three Pillars of the "Son of Man"
1. A Title of Humanity
Jesus is the "God-man." While his deity was often questioned during his earthly ministry, modern doubts often lean toward his humanity.

Under the Law: To redeem those under the law, Christ had to be born under the law (Galatians 4:4–5). Only a human could serve as a substitute for human sin.
The Perfect Sacrifice: Animal sacrifices were temporary provisions. A permanent solution required a sinless human life—a "body prepared" for sacrifice (Hebrews 10:4–7).
Sympathetic High Priest: His humanity allows him to sympathize with human weakness, having experienced hunger, exhaustion, and temptation.
2. A Title of Humility
The title reflects Christ’s "emptying" of himself (Philippians 2:5–8).

Example of Service: He moved from the glories of heaven to the rejection of man.
Preparation for the Cross: By using this title, Jesus was mentally preparing the disciples for a suffering Messiah rather than the immediate political conqueror they anticipated.
3. A Title of Deity and Dominion
Paradoxically, "Son of Man" is also a claim to divine authority, rooted in the prophecy of Daniel 7:13–14.
 

Mandeville Bible Church   "Where God's Word is Our Foundation"
https://www.mandevillebiblechurch.org/

Come and see that God's Word is alive and at work right here in Mandeville.. and throughout the world!
All are welcome. 

217 Carroll Street, Mandeville, LA 70448
Church Office: (985) 626-3114
Sunday Service: 9:30AM
Adult Sunday School: 10:45-11:30AM
Nursery and Children's church available.

2026-08-02 Transfigured

2026-08-02 Transfigured
by Pastor Chris Berg
 
Scripture Reference: Mark 9:1-13

1 And he said to them, “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.”
2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.
5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)
7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant.
11 And they asked him, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?”
12 Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? 13 But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.”

Mandeville Bible Church   "Where God's Word is Our Foundation"
https://www.mandevillebiblechurch.org/

Come and see that God's Word is alive and at work right here in Mandeville.. and throughout the world!
All are welcome. 

217 Carroll Street, Mandeville, LA 70448
Church Office: (985) 626-3114
Sunday Service: 9:30AM
Adult Sunday School: 10:45-11:30AM
Nursery and Children's church available.

Notes, outline and a summary from this sermon are made by Pocket AI and found here:

The sermon examines the Transfiguration of Christ as recorded in Mark 9:1–8, framing it as a pivotal transition from Jesus’ teachings on suffering and rejection to a physical demonstration of his divine glory.

The Kingdom of God and the Transfiguration
The teaching begins with Mark 9:1, where Jesus promises that some standing there would not taste death until they see the "kingdom of God after it has come with power." While various theological interpretations exist, the context suggests this refers specifically to the Transfiguration occurring just six days later.

• Metamorphosis: The word "transfigured" is derived from metamorphosis, signifying a complete change in form rather than mere outward conformity.
• The Contrast of Form: In his earthly ministry, Jesus appeared ordinary, lacking "majesty that we should look at him" (Isaiah 53:2). The Transfiguration briefly unveiled his true, glorified nature—characterized by clothes of an "impossibly white" brilliance.

Symbolic Presence: Moses and Elijah
The appearance of Moses and Elijah alongside Jesus serves as a validation of his identity through the lens of the Old Testament.

• The Law and the Prophets: Moses represents the Law (the Pentateuch), and Elijah represents the Prophets. Their presence signifies that the entirety of Scripture stands in agreement with Jesus.
• Mountain Revelations: Both figures previously experienced unique revelations of God’s glory on mountains (Sinai and Horeb). Their presence on this high mountain ties their historical experiences to the current revelation of Christ.

Peter’s Misunderstanding and Divine Correction
Peter, terrified by the sight, suggests building three shrines (tabernacles) for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. This suggestion is identified as a mistake because it implies equality between the three.

• The Divine Rebuttal: God the Father interrupts Peter from a cloud, declaring, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him."
• Superiority of Christ: The command to "listen to him" establishes Jesus as superior to the Law and the Prophets. While he is in agreement with them, they are ultimately obedient to him.

Strategic Significance
The Transfiguration is presented not just as a historical event, but as a multi-layered promise:
• A Preview: It offers a glimpse of the transcendent glory Christ will exhibit upon his return as the "Lion of Judah."
• Encouragement for Suffering: For the original audience in Rome facing Nero’s persecution, and for modern believers, it serves as proof that present humiliation and suffering will eventually be transformed into glory.
• A Call to Obedience: The magnificence and power displayed are intended to motivate a "fear of God," which is the beginning of wisdom and the foundation for practical obedience.


Mark 8:31 | Jesus teaches on suffering | Jesus explains he must be rejected, killed, and rise again.
6 Days Later | Ascent of the Mountain | Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain.
The Event | Transfiguration | Jesus' form changes; Moses and Elijah appear.
The Interruption | Peter's Suggestion | Peter proposes building three shrines for the figures.
The Conclusion | Divine Affirmation | God speaks from the cloud; Moses and Elijah vanish, leaving only Jesus.
</pocket:timeline> 

2026-07-26 Setting Your Mind

2026-07-26 Setting Your Mind
by Pastor Chris Berg
 
Scripture: Mark 8:31-38

31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” The Way of the Cross
34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? 37 Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

Mandeville Bible Church   "Where God's Word is Our Foundation"
https://www.mandevillebiblechurch.org/

Come and see that God's Word is alive and at work right here in Mandeville.. and throughout the world!
All are welcome. 

217 Carroll Street, Mandeville, LA 70448
Church Office: (985) 626-3114
Sunday Service: 9:30AM
Adult Sunday School: 10:45-11:30AM
Nursery and Children's church available.

2026-07-19 Real Growth

2026-07-19 Real Growth
by Pastor Chris Berg
 
Scripture: Mark 8:22-30

22 They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. 23 He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” 24 He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” 25 Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26 Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t even go into the village.” 27 Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” 28 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” 29 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” 
30 Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him. 

Mandeville Bible Church   "Where God's Word is Our Foundation"
https://www.mandevillebiblechurch.org/

Come and see that God's Word is alive and at work right here in Mandeville.. and throughout the world!
All are welcome. 

217 Carroll Street, Mandeville, LA 70448
Church Office: (985) 626-3114
Sunday Service: 9:30AM
Adult Sunday School: 10:45-11:30AM
Nursery and Children's church available.

2026-07-12 Beware of Leaven

2026-07-12 Beware of Leaven
by Pastor Chris Berg
 
Scripture Reference: Mark 8:1-21
8 During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, 2 “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. 3 If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.”
4 His disciples answered, “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?”
5 “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked.
“Seven,” they replied.
6 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people, and they did so. 7 They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. 8 The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 9 About four thousand were present. After he had sent them away, 10 he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha.
11 The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. 12 He sighed deeply and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it.” 13 Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side.
The Yeast of the Pharisees and Herod
14 The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. 15 “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.”
16 They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.”
17 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”
“Twelve,” they replied.
20 “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”
They answered, “Seven.”
21 He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”


Mandeville Bible Church   "Where God's Word is Our Foundation"
https://www.mandevillebiblechurch.org/
Come and see that God's Word is alive and at work right here in Mandeville.. and throughout the world!
All are welcome. 

217 Carroll Street, Mandeville, LA 70448
Church Office: (985) 626-3114
Sunday Service: 9:30AM
Adult Sunday School: 10:45-11:30AM

Nursery and Children's church available.

2026-07-05 A True Confession

2026-07-05 A True Confession
by Pastor Chris Berg
 
Scripture: Mark 7:31-37 
31 Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. 32 There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him.
33 After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. 34 He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”). 35 At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly.
36 Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. 37 People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

Mandeville Bible Church   "Where God's Word is Our Foundation"
https://www.mandevillebiblechurch.org/
Come and see that God's Word is alive and at work right here in Mandeville.. and throughout the world!
All are welcome. 
217 Carroll Street, Mandeville, LA 70448
Church Office: (985) 626-3114
Sunday Service: 9:30AM
Adult Sunday School: 10:45-11:30AM
Nursery and Children's church available.

2026-06-28 Even Dogs Eat Crumbs

2026-06-28 Even Dogs Eat Crumbs

by Pastor Chris Berg

Scripture Reference: Mark 7:24-30

24 Jesus got up and went away from there to the region of Tyre. And when He had entered a house, He wanted no one to know of it; yet He could not escape notice. 25 But after hearing of Him, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately came and fell at His feet. 26 Now the woman was a Gentile, of the Syrophoenician race. And she kept asking Him to cast the demon out of her daughter. 27 And He was saying to her, “Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 28 But she answered and *said to Him, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table feed on the children’s crumbs.” 29 And He said to her, “Because of this answer go; the demon has gone out of your daughter.” 30 And going back to her home, she found the child lying on the bed, the demon having left.

Mandeville Bible Church   "Where God's Word is Our Foundation"

https://www.mandevillebiblechurch.org/

Come and see that God's Word is alive and at work right here in Mandeville.. and throughout the world!

All are welcome. 

217 Carroll Street, Mandeville, LA 70448

Church Office: (985) 626-3114

Sunday Service: 9:30AM

Adult Sunday School: 10:45-11:30AM

Nursery and Children's church available.