Waiting is easy when it’s inconvenient. It’s much harder when it hurts.
In this Advent reflection, Alex sits with one of Scripture’s most uncomfortable questions: How long? Drawing from the opening lament over Jerusalem, this episode explores the kind of waiting that doesn’t come with quick resolutions. The kind marked by silence, loss, and longing.
Rather than rushing to hope, this conversation lingers in the ache, examining why Scripture makes space for mourning, why Advent begins in the dark, and what it means to wait with courage in a culture that avoids both grief and stillness.
Scripture: Lamentations 1:1
Links: www. sanberto.com/links
Donate: www.buymeacoffee.com/sanberto
In this conversation, Alex Portillo discusses the relationship between Christianity and religion, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Christianity as a religion rather than merely a relationship with God. He critiques the common phrase that Christianity is not a religion, arguing that it undermines the complexity of faith and the role of religion in shaping beliefs and practices. Portillo encourages Christians to engage with secular criticisms thoughtfully and to embrace their religious identity without shame.Here are some resources that can help you in creating a devotional practice: Logos Bible Software- www.logos.com/sanbertoInstagram - www.instagram.com/sanbertoalejandro Donate- www.buymeacoffee.com/sanbertohttps://www.amazon.com/shop/sanbertoalejandroDonate- https://www.buymeacoffee.com/alexportilloCHAPTERS0:00 Introduction and Context1:45 Financial Audit with Kaleb Hammer Video 2:20 Hot Take: Christianity is a religion 4:04 What is Religion? 4:27 Why do Christians say Christianity is not a religion? 6:25 Why does this Matter? 7:40 A way forward -#Bible #Biblescholar #christianity #Jesuschrist
In this Advent message, Alex Portillo explores the profound question of why Jesus became human, emphasizing the themes of fragility, vulnerability, and the necessity of suffering for mercy. Through personal anecdotes and reflections on the immigrant experience, he illustrates how Christ's incarnation connects deeply with human suffering and weakness, ultimately presenting Jesus as the perfect Savior who understands and empathizes with our struggles.
Text: Hebrews 4:15-16
Links: www. sanberto.com/links
Donate: www.buymeacoffee.com/sanberto
Chapters
00:00 La Sagrada Familia
02:40 The Immigrant Experience and Christ's Connection
05:18 Understanding Fragility and Vulnerability
07:28 The Nature of Christ's Incarnation
09:33 The Necessity of Suffering for Mercy
12:28 The Depth of Human Sorrow and Christ's Empathy
14:25 God's Understanding of Our Weaknesses
In this conversation, Alex Portillo responds to a video claiming AI is in the Book of Daniel and Revelation. He discusses the implications of knowledge increase in the end times, the misinterpretations surrounding AI, and the mark of the beast. He emphasizes the importance of understanding biblical texts to avoid deception.
Here are some resources that can help you in creating a devotional practice:
Logos Bible Software- www.logos.com/sanberto
Instagram - www.instagram.com/sanbertoalejandro
Donate- www.buymeacoffee.com/sanberto
https://www.amazon.com/shop/sanbertoalejandro
Donate- https://www.buymeacoffee.com/alexportillo
-
Chapters:
00:00 The meaning of "Knowledge Shall Increase" in Daniel
01:47 Are the Beast in Revelation Robots or Nations?
03:15 Did John mean "robot"?
04:22 The beast of Revelation 13
05:55 Did the Nephilim have six fingers and toes?
09:09 The Importance of Biblical Literacy
08:14 People Are Crazy
8:56 People Need to Read Their Bibles
Text: Luke 17:11–19
In this teaching, Alex Portillo explores the story of the ten lepers from Luke 17, emphasizing the themes of healing, faith, and gratitude. He discusses the significance of the lepers' cry for mercy, their obedience to Jesus' command, and the importance of returning to express gratitude.
The conversation delves into the psychological phenomenon of forgetting and how gratitude can lead to deeper healing and transformation in our lives. Ultimately, it calls for a conscious practice of thankfulness as a way to remain aware of God's mercy and goodness.
Links: www. sanberto.com/links
Donate: www.buymeacoffee.com/sanberto
Slides: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ugjvspsu8bx2qwm6jh8h1/Grateful-One.pdf?rlkey=6f355syze3g772kxs8e6kpz0t&st=0j0s9442&dl=0
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Invitation to Healing
00:41 The Story of the Ten Lepers
05:28 Faith and Obedience in Healing
10:45 Gratitude and Its Importance
15:57 The Psychological Phenomenon of Forgetting
21:08 The Deeper Healing of Gratitude
We say we love God. We say we love others. But what if the real test isn’t in what we say at all? In this teaching from 1 John 4:20, Alex explores a truth that can’t be faked—one that quietly exposes what’s real in our hearts.
Links: www. sanberto.com/links
Donate: www.buymeacoffee.com/sanberto
Slides: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/y165xern6dornpw68j83n/Before-God-and-Men.pdf?rlkey=iyht1pen7bbjdwv040tz6mkbg&st=ppmztva8&dl=0
00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
00:48 The Challenge of Loving Our Enemies
02:57 Understanding Love and Humility
05:59 The Connection Between Love and Humility
08:54 The Role of Communion in Love and Humility
09:51 Defining Humility and Its Importance
A quick message from me to you — thank you for listening.
If the Bertonians have encouraged or challenged you, please tap 'subscribe,' rate the show, or share an episode.
Your support truly matters.
This message was delivered at a memorial service. In this homily, Alex Portillo explores the themes of faith, perspective, and healing through the story of the blind man in John 9. He emphasizes how Jesus' actions reveal a deeper understanding of suffering and redemption, encouraging listeners to see their struggles through the light of faith. C.S. Lewis's insights on faith as a means of understanding reality are also discussed, culminating in a message of hope regarding death and resurrection.
Takeaways
Links: www. sanberto.com/links
Donate: www.buymeacoffee.com/sanberto
Slides: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/aaorzcdf5li2vrz12uubl/The-Light-by-Which-We-See.pdf?rlkey=fc9y4f01rb6kpznhfeoz91yl5&st=f3qka9w1&dl=0
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
00:50 The Story of the Blind Man: A Lesson in Perspective
06:46 C.S. Lewis: Faith as the Light of Understanding
10:43 Death and Resurrection: A New Perspective Through Faith
12:51 God's Compassion and Assurance of Healing
After the main interview ended, Alex Portillo and Kevin Grasso continued the conversation with some practical discussion about Bible translation. This bonus segment delves into how the phrase “perfect love casts out fear” is misunderstood. We also look at the story of Jacob's ladder in the Masoretic text, Septuagint, and Targum. It’s an unscripted, behind-the-scenes look at the kind of translation insights that didn’t make it into the main episode.
Try Biblingo Free for ten Days here
Find Biblingo on socials @Biblingoapp
Links: www. sanberto.com/links
Donate: www.buymeacoffee.com/sanberto
In this conversation, Alex Portillo and Dr. Kevin Grasso explore the complexities of Bible translations, the importance of understanding biblical languages, and the distinctions between translation and interpretation. They discuss the importance of idioms, the role of context, and how modern technology has made learning Hebrew and Greek more accessible. The dialogue emphasizes that while translations can convey meaning, engaging with the original languages can deepen one's understanding of scripture and enhance theological discussions.
Try Biblingo Free for ten Days here
Find Biblingo on socials @Biblingoapp
Links: www. sanberto.com/links
Donate: www.buymeacoffee.com/sanberto
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
02:53 Understanding Biblical Languages
05:50 The Importance of Language Mastery
09:05Translation vs. Interpretation
11:52The Role of Idioms in Translation
14:48Analyzing Language Complexity
18:03 The Nuances of Translation
20:56 Bridging Language Gaps
28:47 The Nature of Translation and Interpretation
30:48 Challenges in Translating Biblical Idioms
37:42 The Importance of Learning Biblical Languages
48:07Understanding the Value of Original Texts
49:40 Biblingo: Making Biblical Languages Accessible
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 thoughtful reflection and the challenge of addressing misconceptions in conversations about faith and spirituality.
Guests in this episode:
Dr. Seth Pierce — Find him on Instagram and TikTok @professorpierce. He also writes on Substack at Infodemonology and hosts the Beast and Bible Podcast.
Nate Hellman — Connect with him on Instagram and TikTok @nate.hellman. He co-hosts the The Imperfect Pastor Podcast.
Links: www. sanberto.com/links
Donate: www.buymeacoffee.com/sanberto
00:00 Fear and Its Role in Christian Messaging
02:00 Understanding Fear: A Paradoxical Relationship with God
03:23 The Nature of Fear: God vs. the Devil
04:25 The Otherness of God and Its Implications
06:27 The Danger of Simplistic Narratives
08:01 The Importance of Critical Thinking
12:09 Fear and Control: Human Instincts
16:02 The Challenge of Responding to Misinformation
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 testimonies, and provide insights on how Christians can engage with Halloween in a thoughtful and informed manner.
Guests in this episode:
Dr. Seth Pierce — Find him on Instagram and TikTok @professorpierce. He also writes on Substack at Infodemonology and hosts the Beast and Bible Podcast.
Nate Hellman — Connect with him on Instagram and TikTok @nate.hellman. He co-hosts The Imperfect Pastor Podcast.
Links: www. sanberto.com/links
Donate: www.buymeacoffee.com/sanberto
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
05:32 Is Halloween Satan's Birthday?
14:12 The Role of Testimonies in Shaping Beliefs
23:11 Monsters, Identity, and the Christian Experience
25:49 The Origins of Halloween and Trick-or-Treating
31:22 Cultural Syncretism and Halloween's Evolution
39:46 Are Jack O' Lanterns Demonic Portals?
45:15 The Loaded Question Fallacy
47:36 How Should Christians Engage with Halloween
55:12 Fear and Its Role in Christian Messaging
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 community, this teaching will challenge and encourage you.
Links: www. sanberto.com/links
Donate: www.buymeacoffee.com/sanberto
Slides: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/rqv59erkid32fkj3o1jrz/Walking-in-the-Light.pdf?rlkey=mlfkjpf8ywofpjy5dq81dupuf&st=qr3pkl4i&dl=0
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 numbered.” This verse paints a picture of a God who pays attention to the smallest details of our lives and who offers comfort even in our darkest seasons.
In this episode, Alex reflects on what it really means to experience God’s presence when life doesn’t make sense.
NOTE: This homily was delivered as a word of encouragement for a memorial service.
Links: www. sanberto.com/links
Donate: www.buymeacoffee.com/sanberto
Slides: N/A
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 Studied: Lamentations 3:21–24
Links: www. sanberto.com/links
Donate: www.buymeacoffee.com/sanberto
Slides: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/sc03a0qojmi7vw4pbbgrm/New-Mercy.pdf?rlkey=lvjzkb03mdqxgpp1aqnqita0x&st=dekgrvgz&dl=0
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
Links: www. sanberto.com/links
Donate: www.buymeacoffee.com/sanberto
Slides: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/824tmuc4pmneihqqzk8hm/Homunculus.pdf?rlkey=oni9lt9kwf6ok6eo8p14f501g&st=hsjyghfz&dl=0
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/links
Donate: www.buymeacoffee.com/sanberto
Slides: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/jc1qio4trax4d5a5zhwvv/How-to-Become-Filthy-Rich.pdf?rlkey=z5vu5cdllkdt4xp98ifw2elj6&st=rpaoit6r&dl=0
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
Links: www. sanberto.com/links
Donate: www.buymeacoffee.com/sanberto
Slides: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2gpd09r088m0mvmiwhzey/The-Xenos.pdf?rlkey=gh3eimh8dodvq85ja90udz9ir&st=p0pce19u&dl=0
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 to strengthen us for what’s ahead.
Reflection:
Links: www. sanberto.com/links
Donate: www.buymeacoffee.com/sanberto
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, and the weight of these words. More than poetry, they reveal something essential about God’s character and about the kind of life we are invited to live in His care. As we close this series, we’ll ask how this psalm not only speaks to our present but also directs our future.
Reflection
Links: www. sanberto.com/links
Donate: www.buymeacoffee.com/sanberto