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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

• The podcast is a personal teaching from Alex Portillo.
• The story of the blind man illustrates the importance of perspective.
• Jesus' healing is not just physical but also transformative for one's outlook on life.
• C.S. Lewis argues that faith provides clarity and understanding of reality.
• Faith helps us see our pain within a larger context of hope.
• Death is not the end but a transition to something greater.
• God's compassion is ever-present, even in our suffering.
• Healing is a process that requires faith and openness to light.
• The narrative of suffering can be reframed through faith.
• The message of love and assurance from God is central to healing.

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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