The Bertonians

This is a bonus to the episode, Is Holloween Satan's Birthday Party? The crew discusses the complex relationship between fear, love, and understanding in the context of faith. They discuss the paradox of fearing God while also feeling safe in His presence, the dangers of misinformation, and the importance of navigating fear with a deeper understanding. The dialogue emphasizes the need for thoughtf...

In this conversation, Alex Portillo, Nate Hellman, and Dr. Seth Pierce explore the complex relationship between Halloween and Christianity, delving into the historical context of the Satanic Panic, the evolution of Halloween traditions, and the cultural implications of fear and monsters in Christian narratives. They discuss personal experiences with spiritual warfare, the significance of testimoni...

What does it actually mean to walk in the light ? In this episode, Alex unpacks a powerful passage from 1 John 1:5–10 and explores how living in the light goes beyond believing the right things or striving for righteousness. It’s about something far more vulnerable—and freeing. If you’ve ever wrestled with hidden struggles, questions about confession, or wondered how honesty shapes real Christian...

We’ve all asked questions that don’t have easy answers. In times of loss, disappointment, or silence from God, we often wonder, “Why?” But sometimes, the most important truth isn’t found in explanations. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 10:29–30 : “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all...

In this message, Alex walks through one of the most striking passages in the book of Lamentations —a text written in the heart of grief and exile, yet turning toward surprising hope. From the careful structure of Hebrew poetry to the words that rise up in the middle of despair, the teaching explores what it means to remember God’s love and mercy in seasons of loss and uncertainty. Scripture Studie...

What does it mean that Christ was “crucified in weakness yet lives by the power of God”? In this teaching on 2 Corinthians 13:3–5, Alex explores how our assumptions about strength and weakness shape our faith, our discipleship, and even the way we picture Jesus. Reflection What is the image that I have of Jesus? How does this image shape my life? Does it match the Biblical portrayal of Jesus? What...

We chase money, status, and security, but Scripture says God’s wealth looks nothing like ours. In Ephesians 1:7–8, Paul describes the “riches of His grace” lavished on us. What does that mean for how we live? In this teaching, we explore why God’s riches matter for your peace and freedom today, and what it looks like to live spiritually wealthy even when life feels poor. Links: www. sanberto.com/l...

Matthew 25:31–46 places every nation before Christ’s throne and hinges on a single phrase: “the least of these.” In this teaching, we wrestle with who Jesus means—and why our answer exposes the shape of our discipleship toward the hungry, the stranger, the sick, and the imprisoned. Reflection Who in your life or community do you instinctively avoid or overlook—and what story have you told yourself...

In Mark 6:45–52, Jesus walks on water in the middle of the night. But tucked inside this story is a surprising detail most of us skip right over—one that changes the way we see storms, faith, and the way Jesus meets us in our struggles. In this episode, Pastor Alex explores why Jesus doesn’t always calm the wind, what it means to row through resistance, and how God uses both storms and headwinds t...

In this episode, we bring our study of Psalm 23 to a close by reflecting on its final verse: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” This line has comforted countless people through the ages, but what does it really mean for God’s goodness and mercy to “follow” us? Together, we’ll consider the imagery, the language, a...

In this episode, we dive into Psalm 23:5 and ask, “What does it mean for God to prepare a table for us in the presence of our enemies?” Together we’ll explore the imagery of God as host, the comfort it brings in times of conflict, and the hope it offers for daily life. If you’ve ever wondered how this verse speaks into your struggles and challenges, this teaching will give you a fresh perspective...

This is a teaching on Psalm 23:3. We explore the meaning of "he refreshes my soul." Reflection Where did I notice God simply with me, quietly present in my ordinary moments? How did I sense God leading me—toward rest, through challenge, or back to what is good? Looking back, where can I see God “returning” me when my heart or mind wandered? Links: www. sanberto.com/links Donate-: www.buy...

What do you treasure most, and how is it shaping your heart? In this Matthew 5–6 teaching, we explore the concept of reward and treasure. Discover why the poor in spirit are truly rich, how hidden acts of faith become wages of the heart, and why no one will enter heaven whose heart isn’t already there first. Reflection Where is my treasure today? What has been training my heart lately? Which maste...