This is the podcast page for Ben Bergren. He is the Lead Pastor of Bethel Lutheran Church of Cupertino, CA. Ben teaches with relevance and passion. Listen in each week as he teaches from the Bible.
We conclude our series about our mission statement by examining what it means to be on a path of "inspired growth." Gideon of the book of Judges helps us to see how we can move forward in faith.
We are in a sermon series on our mission statement. We understand that we can be real people because we have an inclusive welcoming God. But there are things that get in the way of that core truth. Listen in and find out.
The first time the disciples see Jesus on Easter evening, he has a lot to tell them and us. If you ever wondered about God's plans, listen in!
The resurrection points to the inescapable conclusion that we can have freedom right here and right now. If we lean into the resurrection, we can leave our old stories behind.
Maybe the Church has missed part of the story of Jesus because of the word "Christ" that has remained untranslated for almost 2000 years. Once we understand that word, it can change the way we see Jesus and live our lives.
In our faith journey, there are times we need to take a break and rest. Rest is biblical! Through the scriptures and the music of Keith Thompson we hear, There is a way to find rest.
Even in life there is a way and the time to start over. Through the music of Keith Thompson and scripture, we hear there is a way forward in life. Need a little hope, listen in!
We begin looking at the Way of Jesus inspired by the music of our very own Keith Thompson. Today we discover that the Way is never traveled alone.
We begin the season of Lent with a confession that we need a savior. It is an invitation for revival and reconnection. Listen in as we go back to the time of King Hezekiah to hear about a time of revival for the nation of Israel.
The Transfiguration is a holy disruption for the disciples who were making plans for Jesus. Maybe we need a disruption in our life to refocus on Jesus and his ways.
Today we move on to the next origin story in the book of Genesis. The story of Noah and the ark might be the best known story of the Bible. Before jump to theological conclusions, take time to listen and hear what this story is really telling us.
We continue to look at the patchwork stories of early Genesis. We turn to the story of Cain and Abel and see that we always have the choice to follow God versus our own wants. Temptation is always out there but we've been called to something better.
We begin a series on the origin stories of the Bible. The first 11 chapters of Genesis contain a patchwork of stories that describe the nature of God and humanity. First up: Creation. This is not about science!
We remember the life and ministry of Martin Luther King Jr. and the biblical principles he used to bring change to our nation. These same principles can transform our lives, our nation and our world.
We haven't given up on Christmas because it is a season and not just a day. On the 12th day of Christmas, we are encouraged to unwrap the gift of Jesus and not just leave it on the shelf.
Why is Christmas important? We discover that God takes a step towards us in love! Listen in as Pr. Ben reminds us of why we need Christmas in our lives today.
If you want joy in your life, peace comes first. Once you grasp the peace of Christ, then you have room for joy. Listen in and find out how to increase your joy!
Sometimes we need a perspective check to change our mindsets. If we want peace, you need to look beyond what you see. This message begins and ends with a song to help us understand the peace that Jesus offers.
We conclude our God is in Charge series with Christ is our King because it is Christ the King weekend. What does it mean to claim Christ as our King. It may not be as easy as saying it. Listen in and find out!
Either God is sovereign or God is not. Over the next 3 weeks we will see how God is in charge! In this message, we discover that all are accountable to God, including leaders.
We get so caught up in living life that we forget about the ultimate win of eternal life. On All Saints Day, we hear how we are already saints and how that happens.
We continue in our series on Winners and Losers and we turn our attention to Martin Luther and Reformation Sunday. Most of his life was losing but he remained faithful.
We continue on in our sermon series on winning and losing. For the second time, Jesus needs to explain to the disciples that life isn't about winning or being the "top dog."Â
We being a new sermon series about winning and losing. This mindset can cause and has caused a lot of problems in our world. Jesus has something to say to us about leaving this harmful point of view behind.
Generosity is often the last step in a Christian's faith walk. LIsten and find out how you can grow by giving.
We value learning as Christians. Specifically, we value learning from Jesus who taught us love and not hate. Explore this core value and see how your life can be better with Jesus' instruction in your life.
Why is worship important for the those who believe in Jesus? What does worship do for us? Listen in and find out as we explore our core values as a church!
We finish our sermon series on Ruth in chapters 3 and 4. We discover how vulnerability and consistency can change a person's life.
We are looking at the story of Ruth and we pick it up in chapter 2 where we see Ruth's commitment and care for her mother in-law. We also learn something about life in her interaction with Boaz the landowner.
We come to the end of our KCLC Radio sermon series and we hear a song from 1985 that swept the world by storm because of its message and cause. It is the same message God has been communicating to the world through the Bible.
In our radio series we go back to hear a #1 hit from 1970. This song reminds us that we will never be alone. Jesus wants to change your trajectory.
Today we go back to 1982 to hear a song that dominated the airwaves and was a number 1 hit. This song reminds us that Jesus wants to lift us up so that we don't fall into the trap of horizontal living.
We step back to 1967 to hear a song that calls us to higher living. Spiritual maturity can be elusive when we live like everyone else.
We continue on in our KCLC Radio Sermon series and we hear a song that has its roots in 1939. There is something better waiting for us but now is the time to get ready!
KCLC Radio sermon series is back with all new music! We go back to 1996 to hear a worldwide hit. On the surface, this sounds like a love song, but there is so much more.
We come to the end of Joseph's story. Will he find peace from his past? Will he see the bigger picture? Listen in and find out!
We take another step in the story of Joseph. He hits rock bottom in his life and we find something surprising. Joseph keeps serving others and God continues to watch over him.
Joseph goes to Egypt as a slave and encounters even more hardship. His faith in God informs his character and acts with integrity in a no win situation. Listen in and find how we can apply the lessons of Joseph into our lives.
We begin a new sermon series on Joseph of Genesis. He is the example of how to be a person of faith in times of struggle. Today we set up the story and talk about jealousy and envy.
We continue to look at our Mission Statement at Community Lutheran Church. We believe in Radical Grace for all. Jesus tells a story about radical grace that I am sure upset people when he told it. The characters in the story were angry too about God's grace!
This podcast begins with a song for a reason. We begin a new sermon series on what makes Community Lutheran Church tick. We begin with "us". We strive to be real and never fake.
What is the spiritual inheritance that Jesus leaves us in his death and resurrection? Listen in and find out! Happy Easter!
More than a remembrance of a moment in history, Jesus dies to forgive our sins. If you ever wondered about what Jesus accomplished by his death, listen in.
We conclude the sermon series about the the things Jesus brings to our lives. We saved the best for last... salvation. Listen in and find out why this is the most important thing Jesus brought to us.
We continue our series on what Jesus brings to our lives including a constant connection to bring us miracle power to our lives.
If we trust Jesus with our eternity, how come we struggle to trust Jesus with our tomorrows? Jesus brings direction to our lives and he even teaches us how trust him with our future.
There are many things that Jesus gives his people. In the sermon series "Jesus Brings" we will discover some of those gifts. In this message, we will see how Jesus brings fulfillment to all who look.
As we enter the season of reflection (Lent) we take a moment to humble ourselves and empty ourselves of pride. King Uzziah and Zaccheaus show us the difference between these two polar opposites.
The story of Balaam and his talking donkey helps us understand the importance of our words. Words have the power to heal and to hurt. We are challenged to watch what we say and even bite our tongue.
We conclude our sermon series on change. In this message Pastor Ben explores transformational change or the change within. Step one is to change your social surroundings.
Change is all around. What happens when there is societal change? We embrace God's view of justice and not our own. We remember the lasting legacy and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the change he brought.