2026-05-17 Why John?

2026-05-17 Why John?
by Pastor Chris Berg
 
Scripture Reference: Mark 6:14-29

14 King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known. Some were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”
15 Others said, “He is Elijah.” And still others claimed, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago.”
16 But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!”
17 For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, 20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him.
21 Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.” 23 And he promised her with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”
24 She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” “The head of John the Baptist,” she answered.
25 At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”
26 The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27 So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, 28 and brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother. 29 On hearing of this, John’s disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.


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
Office Phone: (985) 626-3114
Sunday Service: 9:30AM
Adult Sunday School: 10:45-11:30AM
Nursery and Children's church available.

Sermon Notes from Pocket AI:
Sermon Structure Outline
I. Introduction: The Difficulty of the Text The sermon addresses Mark 6:14–29, a passage the speaker admits was initially difficult to approach. The challenge lies not in its interpretation or subject matter, but in its purpose: why did Mark include this specific parenthetical flashback about the death of John the Baptist? The thesis is established that all Scripture is "God-breathed" and profitable, meaning this passage exists to increase the believer's usefulness and maturity.

II. The Identity Crisis: Who is Jesus? The narrative begins with the fame of Jesus reaching Herod Antipas. The public offers three primary theories on Jesus' identity:

The Resurrected John the Baptist: Herod’s personal conviction, fueled by guilt and fear.
Elijah: Based on the prophecy in Malachi 4 regarding a forerunner before the Day of the Lord.
A Prophet of Old: A belief that the 400-year "silent period" had ended with a new prophetic voice.

III. The Flashback: The Martyrdom of John the Baptist The speaker details the "daytime TV" complexity of Herod’s household. Herod had married Herodias, his half-brother Philip’s wife. John the Baptist publicly rebuked this as unlawful (Leviticus 18, 20).

The Conflict: Herodias harbored a grudge and wanted John dead, while Herod protected him, finding his preaching "perplexing yet fascinating."
The Execution: During a drunken birthday banquet, Herodias’ daughter (Salome) pleased Herod with a dance. Bound by a rash, public oath to give her "up to half the kingdom," Herod was manipulated into beheading John to save face before his guests.
IV. The Theological Purpose: Why Mark Included the Story The speaker identifies three reasons for this narrative's inclusion:

Foreshadowing Christ: There are direct parallels between John and Jesus. Both were feared/admired by rulers (Herod/Pilate), both were killed to appease a crowd, and both had their bodies requested by disciples for burial.
Identifying the Forerunner: Jesus later confirms that John was the "Elijah" who was to come and suffer.
Preparing the Church for Persecution: The original readers (likely under Nero) needed to see that righteous living often invites worldly hatred.
V. Conclusion: The Choice of Soil The sermon concludes by contrasting Herod’s "bad soil"—treating the Word of God as mere entertainment—with the call to entrust oneself to the "Just Judge."

Key Scripture References
2 Timothy 3:15-17: The foundational claim that all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching and training in righteousness.

Mark 6:14-29: The primary text detailing Herod’s reaction to Jesus and the flashback to John’s beheading.

Leviticus 18:16 & 20:21: The moral law John used to confront Herod regarding his marriage to his brother’s wife.

Malachi 4:5-6: The prophecy regarding the return of Elijah.

1 Peter 2:23: The model of Christ, who did not revile when reviled but entrusted Himself to God.

Audience Reflection Section
The "Herod" Trap: Are you treating spiritual teaching as "interesting" or "fascinating" without allowing it to change your life? Herod liked listening to John but remained "bad soil."
The Cost of Truth: John the Baptist was beheaded for pointing out a specific sin. Are we willing to stand for the truth of God's Word even when it is socially or politically "unlawful" or unpopular?
Entrusting the Judge: When facing rejection or "persecution" in daily life, do we respond with a "nasty tongue," or do we follow the example of Christ by entrusting our reputation and safety to God?

Actionable Takeaways
Study the "Difficult" Passages: Do not skip over genealogies or uncomfortable narratives in the Bible. Approach them with the conviction that they are there to "equip you for every good work."
Practice "Scripture Before Screens": Align with the speaker’s protocol of primary preparation through prayer and the Word to avoid being "bad soil" influenced by the world's noise.
Reject Appeasement: Identify areas where you might be tempted to "save face" or appease a crowd at the expense of your convictions, as Herod did during his banquet.
Endure Rejection: Expect that a life of faith will meet friction. When reviled, consciously choose not to revile in return, but to "continue entrusting" yourself to God.

2026-05-10 Fishing Lessons

2026-05-10 Fishing Lessons
by Pastor Chris Berg
 
Scripture Reference: Mark 6:7-13

7 Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits.
8 These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. 9 Wear sandals but not an extra shirt. 10 Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. 11 And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”
12 They went out and preached that people should repent. 13 They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.

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
Office Phone: (985) 626-3114
Sunday Service: 9:30AM
Adult Sunday School: 10:45-11:30AM
Nursery and Children's church available.

2026-05-03 The Mission to an Unbelieving World

2026-05-03 The Mission to an Unbelieving World
by Pastor Chris Berg

Scripture Reference: Mark 6:1-13


1  He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 
2  And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying,
   “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? 
   How are such mighty works done by his hands? 
3  Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? 
   And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 
4  And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” 
5  And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed  them. 
6  And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.
7  And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 
8  He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— 
9  but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 
10 And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. 
11 And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” 
12 So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. 
13 And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.

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
Office Phone: (985) 626-3114
Sunday Service: 9:30AM
Adult Sunday School: 10:45-11:30AM
Nursery and Children's church available.

Sermon Notes from Pocket AI:

Introduction: The Nature of Rejection The sermon opens with a reflection on the fear of rejection, framing it as a common human experience. Using personal anecdotes from dating and returning to one's hometown, the speaker establishes the tension between familiarity and respect. This sets the stage for examining Jesus’ return to Nazareth, where he faced profound rejection from those who knew him best.

Main Point I: The Rejection at Nazareth (Mark 6:1-3) Jesus returns to his hometown as a rabbi, but the locals cannot reconcile his divine authority with his ordinary upbringing. They question his wisdom and miracles, not because of a lack of evidence, but because of their familiarity with his family and his former trade as a carpenter. The speaker notes that the townspeople even used insulting innuendo regarding his lineage ("Son of Mary") to undermine his legitimacy.

Main Point II: The Three Options of Christ Referencing C.S. Lewis, the speaker posits that there is no middle ground regarding Jesus. He is either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord. The people of Nazareth chose to see him as "too ordinary," effectively rejecting the Messianic claims he made in the synagogue.

Main Point III: The Limitation of Unbelief (Mark 6:5-6) A critical theological point is addressed: why Jesus "could do no mighty work there." The speaker clarifies that this was not a lack of power, but a lack of volition. Jesus was morally compelled not to perform miracles for a people committed to unbelief. His rejection served as a "reality check" for his disciples, preparing them for the resistance they would face in their own missions.

Conclusion: The Danger of Familiarity The sermon concludes with a warning to long-time believers. Just as the people of Nazareth were blinded by their proximity to Jesus, modern Christians risk becoming "dull" to the gospel through routine. The call is to maintain a "spiritual vitality" that grows deeper over time rather than becoming stale.

Key Scripture References
Mark 1:15: "The time is fulfilled. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel." (The central thesis of Jesus' message).
Mark 6:1-6: The primary narrative of Jesus’ rejection in Nazareth.
Isaiah 53:2: Prophecy regarding the Messiah having "no form or majesty" or beauty that would make him stand out.
Matthew 7:14: The warning that the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life.
Revelation 2:4-5: The warning to the church at Ephesus regarding losing their "first love."
John 8:48: An example of the religious establishment questioning Jesus' legitimacy and lineage.
Audience Reflection Section
The "Autopilot" Trap: Consider the metaphor of driving a car. Are there areas of your spiritual life where you have switched to "autopilot," losing sensitivity to the "speedometer" of Scripture and the "turn signals" of the Holy Spirit?
The Burden of Results: Reflect on the idea that Jesus "failed" to convert his hometown despite a perfect presentation. How does this change your perspective on sharing your faith with friends or family who reject the message?
Familiarity vs. Intimacy: Does your long-term knowledge of Christ make him seem more amazing today than he was ten years ago, or has he become "ordinary" in your eyes?
Actionable Takeaways
Reject Complacency: Guard against "confused faith" or satisfaction with a stagnant relationship with Christ. Commit to a deeper study of the Gospel of Mark to understand the specific "object" of faith.
Shift the Focus to Witnessing: Internalize the lesson that the conclusion of someone’s salvation is God’s work, not the believer's. Success is defined by faithful witnessing, not the percentage of "conversions."
Practice "Scripture Before Screens": Follow the discipline of grounding the day in the Word to prevent the "slow degradation" of spiritual usefulness.
Prepare for Rejection: Accept that rejection is a necessary part of the "fisher of men" reality. Use it as a prompt to rely more on the Holy Spirit rather than personal charisma or persuasive ability.

2026-04-26 Don't Fear, Only Believe

2026-04-26 Don't Fear, Only Believe
by Pastor Chris Berg

Scripture Reference: Mark 5:21-43 

21 When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. 22 Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. 23 He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” 24 So Jesus went with him.

A large crowd followed and pressed around him. 25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.

30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”

31 “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ”

32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

35 While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?”

36 Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” 40 But they laughed at him.

After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). 42 Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. 43 He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.

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
Office Phone: (985) 626-3114
Sunday Service: 9:30AM
Adult Sunday School: 10:45-11:30AM
Nursery and Children's church available.

AI notes from Pocket:

Sermon Structure Outline

I. Introduction: The Sandwich Structure

The teaching explores Mark 5:21-43, utilizing a literary "sandwich" structure. This technique frames the story of the hemorrhaging woman within the narrative of Jairus and his dying daughter. The two accounts are inextricably linked to illustrate a singular lesson on the nature of faith versus fear.

II. The Outer Layer: Jairus’ Desperation

Jairus, a synagogue leader, approaches Jesus in a state of crisis. His daughter is at the point of death. His faith is characterized by urgency and a specific request for physical touch ("lay your hands on her"). Jesus agrees to go, but the journey is immediately interrupted.

III. The Center: The Hemorrhaging Woman

A woman suffering for 12 years—physically, financially, and socially—seeks healing in secret. 

• The Mixed Faith: She believes touching Jesus’ garment is sufficient, bordering on a superstitious view of his clothing.

• The Public Correction: Jesus refuses to let the healing remain private. He calls her out not to embarrass her, but to correct her "confused faith." He clarifies that it was not the garment, but her faith in Him that made her whole.

IV. The Resolution: From Fear to Belief

The delay caused by the woman leads to the news that Jairus’ daughter has died. Jesus provides the core thesis of the message: "Do not fear, only believe." He enters the home, excludes the mourning crowd, and raises the girl, demonstrating absolute authority over death and timing.

Key Scripture References

• Mark 5:21-43: The primary text covering Jairus’ daughter and the hemorrhaging woman.

• Mark 1:15: The call to repent and believe the gospel.

• Mark 11:22: The command to "Have faith in God," emphasizing the correct object of faith.

• Hebrews 11:1: The definition of faith as the assurance of things hoped for and conviction of things not seen.

Audience Reflection Section

• The Object of Faith: Is your faith placed in "faith itself," or in a specific religious tradition, or is it placed squarely in the finished work of Christ?

• Superstition vs. Trust: Do you treat spiritual practices as "charms" to ensure a good outcome (like the woman touching the hem), or do you trust the Person of Jesus regardless of the immediate circumstances?

• The Problem of Delay: How do you respond when Jesus seems "interrupted" or delayed in answering your crisis? Can you maintain belief when the situation moves from "critical" to "too late"?

Actionable Takeaways

• Audit Your Traditions: Identify if any personal or church traditions have become "sacraments" or superstitions that you rely on more than Christ Himself.

• Choose Faith Over Fear: In moments of crisis, consciously replace the physiological response of fear with the theological commitment to trust Jesus' timing.

• Clarify the Gospel: Move beyond "platitudes" (e.g., "Jesus in your heart") to a specific understanding of the Gospel: Christ’s death for sin and His resurrection as the victory over death.

• Community Engagement: Note the upcoming Men’s Bible Study (Romans) and the Men’s Breakfast to foster grounded theological community

 

2026-04-19 Lessons from the Gerasenes

2026-04-19 Lessons from the Gerasenes
by Pastor Chris Berg

Scripture: Mark 5:1-20 

5 They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.

6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!”

9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”

“My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.

11 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12 The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13 He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.

14 Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16 Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.

18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

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
(985) 626-3114
Sunday Service: 9:30AM
Adult Sunday School: 10:45-11:30AM
Nursery and Children's church available.

2026-04-12 Kingdom Parables

2026-04-12 Kingdom Parables
by Pastor Chris Berg 

Scripture: Mark 4:26-41

26 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”

30 Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”

33 With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 34 He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.

35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey 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
Office Phone: (985) 626-3114
Sunday Service: 9:30AM
Adult Sunday School: 10:45-11:30AM
Nursery and Children's church available. 

2026-04-05 Saved By His Life

2026-04-05 Saved By His Life 
by Pastor Chris Berg 

Scripture Reference: Romans 5:1-11

5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

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
Office Phone: (985) 626-3114
Sunday Service: 9:30AM
Adult Sunday School: 10:45-11:30AM
Nursery and Children's church available.