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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

• 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 assumptions must I abandon?

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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.

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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

• Who in your life or community do you instinctively avoid or overlook—and what story have you told yourself to justify it?
• Imagine Jesus standing in front of you, disguised as the person you fear, judge, or ignore most. What would you say or do differently—and what’s stopping you now
• When have you felt like a “stranger,” unseen or unwelcome? What would it mean to let that pain become a bridge instead of a wall?

Here are some resources that can help you in creating a devotional practice:

Logos Bible Software- www.logos.com/sanberto

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