Church at Bergen - Sermons

In this sermon, Pastor McKinney revisits the Book of Titus, focusing on how the Gospel serves as a blueprint for life. He shares the background of Titus, explaining that Paul wrote this letter to guide him in establishing a strong church on the island of Crete, amidst a culture that contradicted the message of Jesus Christ. Pastor Mike emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine and urges the chur...

In the final sermon of our Advent series, "Hope", Pastor McKinney discusses how we typically respond to bad news, focusing on the progression from fear and detachment to doubt and ultimately despair. He emphasizes that doubt is a natural part of faith, but this doubt must remain in the passenger seat and faith must stay in the driver's seat. Pastor McKinney presents three truths: re...

In this sermon, Pastor Mike discusses the theme of hope during the Advent season, focusing on our human responses to bad news, such as fear, hiding, and numbing ourselves. He emphasizes that the pain we experience is a natural part of life and that while it's tempting to seek quick relief, numbing prevents us from experiencing the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Mike likens our...

Pastor Mike discusses the Advent season as a time to reflect on the significance of Christ’s coming amid the world's suffering and pain. He emphasizes that the brokenness of life should not be ignored but acknowledged, as it reveals the need for salvation and cultivates a longing for future glory. Using Romans 8, Pastor Mike contrasts current sufferings with the glory to come, highlighting th...

Pastor Mike McKinney emphasizes that Advent is a time to reflect on the hope brought by the arrival of Jesus Christ, particularly in the face of bad news that we often encounter. He uses Psalm 112 to underscore that the righteous, who trust in the Lord, will not be shaken by life’s uncertainties and challenges, but will remain steady and unafraid. Bad news is inevitable, but the true strength lies...

Associate Minister Dave Levesque Jr emphasizes the need to confront false teachings within the church, comparing it to addressing a medical infection that can threaten the health of a congregation. He outlines characteristics of false teachers, such as distorters of the gospel, whose teachings can lead to spiritual decay and unhealthy families. He highlights that true purity comes from Christ, not...

Pastor McKinney emphasizes the importance of men stepping up and raising up other men as spiritual leaders, based on teachings from Titus 1:5-9 . He discusses the qualifications for elders / pastors, highlighting the need for integrity in their relationships with family, themselves, and the Word of God. Pastor Mike calls for men to courageously take on responsibilities and to be examples of godly...

From Titus 1:4-5, Pastor McKinney emphasizes the importance of godly masculinity and the role of men in the church, referencing Paul's letters to Titus and Timothy. He encourages men to "man up" by stepping into chaotic situations in their lives to bring order, highlighting the necessity of grace, peace, and reliance on God the Father and Jesus as a Savior. Pastor Mike acknowledges...

Pastor McKinney shares a personal story from his high school football days to illustrate the importance of future hope in shaping present discipline and actions. He connects this to the Gospel, emphasizing that the hope found in Jesus Christ is not dependent on our discipline but rather on the grace of God, which instructs us toward godliness and self-control in a world increasingly resistant to C...

Pastor McKinney emphasizes the importance of prayer and outlined key characteristics of what it means to be a "salty Christian"—a disciple of Jesus. He referenced a powerful parable from Luke 18 about a widow who persistently sought justice from a godless and indifferent judge. Despite her vulnerability as a woman and a widow in a male-dominated society, her relentlessness led to her bei...

In this sermon series "Salty Church," Pastor Mike emphasizes the importance of being "salty" Christians—followers of Jesus who bring out His desirability in their lives and communities. He highlights that before Jesus calls us to fish for men, He calls us to fellowship with Him, stressing that discipleship is more about relationship than task. The natural overflow of this relat...

Pastor McKinney discusses the concept of a "salty church," where Christians embody the flavor and love of Christ in their lives, making it harder for people to ignore Jesus. He emphasizes the importance of serving others, drawing from Jesus’ example of humility and sacrifice, highlighting that true greatness in the kingdom of God comes from serving, not dominating. By referencing the req...

Pastor McKinney emphasizes the importance of understanding what it really means to be a disciple of Jesus and the characteristics of a "salty" Christian. In week 2 of our Salty Church vision series, we focus on "fearless generosity". We are warned against the spiritual dangers of covetousness and Pastor McKinney explains how money can interfere with a genuine relationship with...

In week 1 of our brand new vision series, "Salty Church", we explore what it means to be a church where Jesus cannot be ignored - a salty church. Over the next 5 weeks, we set out to explore some essential traits of true disciples of Jesus: First In Love, Fearless Generosity, Freedom to Serve, Fishers of Men, Faithful in Prayer. In this sermon, Pastor McKinney initiates the series drawin...