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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.
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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

• 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